Don’t Spiral into an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain can be painful and usually occurs before you know it! When you sprain your ankle the ligaments that connect the bones to the joints are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains generally occur after an irregular landing following jumping or twisting suddenly. A large amount of ankle sprains transpire during sporting activities or when walking on jagged surfaces.

5 Symptoms of an ankle sprain include:

1. Ankle discomfort

2. Swelling

3. Instability

4. Inflexibility

5. Weakness

Early treatment for your ankle sprain will lead to a faster recovery, so try the following: 

• Practice the RICE method:  Rest, ice, compression and elevation.

• Slowly start to bear weight on the sprained ankle and use crutches.

• Participate in physical therapy to reduce pain in the ankle while at the same time providing strength, mobility and stability to the injured ankle. This will help to advance stamina and balance.

Recovery can vary, but if your ankle sprain does not recover appropriately, you must consider surgery to repair overly strained ligaments and to prevent a chronically unstable ankle from developing. Ankle replacement surgery is usually not required for a sprain, but may be necessary if multiple sprains on the same ankle lead to complications. This is accomplished by removing damaged parts of the bone and cartilage to replace them with other apparatuses. Ankle replacement allows for continued mobility and reduced discomfort. This procedure therefore attacks ankle arthritis or other ankle joint issues to allow for continued daily routines without the severe pain.

Please contact us, our Foot Doctors are here to help! Our medical team will work with you to alleviate any chronic pain from your ankle sprain and help to strengthen it so that it does not occur again!. Our Podiatry practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Please call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today