An ankle sprain can lead to chronic arthritis, joint instability, and more, so it’s best to act quickly to prevent further complications and protect your ankle. The orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC provide in-depth evaluations and personalized treatment of sprained ankles at their offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Forest Hills, New York, Gramercy, New York, New York, & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. For top-quality care of your sprained ankle, call your nearest office or schedule an appointment online.
request an appointmentWhat is a sprained ankle?
Your ligaments stabilize your joints and prevent excessive movement. When the ligaments are pushed beyond their normal range of motion, you have a sprained ankle. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?
Some of the signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Instability
You might also experience a popping sensation or sound at the time of the injury.
What causes a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle usually happens when you roll, turn, or twist your ankle in an awkward way. This awkward and rapid force or movement stretches or tears the tough tissue bands (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together.
Some of the causes of a sprained ankle include:
- A fall
- Jumping and landing awkwardly
- Exercising on an uneven surface
- Someone landing on your foot
Certain things can increase your risk of getting a sprained ankle like being in poor physical condition and wearing improperly fitting shoes.
Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term complications like ongoing ankle pain, instability, and arthritis.
How is a sprained ankle treated?
After an evaluation and any necessary testing like an X-ray or MRI, your orthopedic surgeon creates your personalized treatment plan.
The goal is to reduce the pain, swelling, and inflammation, promote healing, and restore the function of your ankle.
Besides resting and keeping your ankle still, elevating it, and applying ice or warm or cold compresses, your surgeon might recommend other treatments like:
- Medications like anti-inflammatories
- Assistive devices like an ankle brace
- Lifestyle changes like diet
- Personalized exercise plan
- Laser therapy for healing
- Shockwave therapy
In some cases, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery for a number of reasons like reconstructing a ligament with tissue from another tendon or ligament.
Don’t limp around on a sprained ankle. Call the Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC or book online for compassionate care.