Ankle sprains can happen to anyone, but they’re particularly common among runners and other athletes. If you sprain your ankle, it’s important to know that the injury could become serious if left untreated. At American Foot & Ankle Specialists in Naperville, Illinois, expert podiatrist Kriti Puthenpurakal, DPM, can diagnose your sprained ankle and begin your treatment. Call the practice, or book your appointment online.
An ankle sprain is an injury to the anterior talofibular ligament, the one on the outside of your ankle, or less commonly, the deltoid ligament on the inside of your ankle.
Ankle sprains range from mild to severe. Milder sprains involve overstretched ligaments, while severe sprains involve a tear in the ligament and could also damage other structures around your ankle joint.
You may sprain your ankle in a variety of ways. Running over uneven terrain, stepping down from a curb or in a hole, or badly landing a jump are common causes. Poor shoe fit, overexertion, tiredness, and other factors can increase your risk of an ankle sprain.
You may have a sprained ankle if you experience the following ankle issues:
These symptoms are all signs that you need prompt care. Dr. Puthenpurakal offers a diagnosis and treatment if you’re injured.
You should see your podiatrist right away if your ankle sprain results in a severe deformity or an open wound, if you can’t put weight on your ankle, if you develop a fever or other infection symptom, and if the pain is unbearable.
If your injury isn’t severe, but you’re still unsure whether you should see your doctor, try the RICE method:
Keep weight off the ankle and avoid activities.
Apply ice packs 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes each time.
Wear a compression bandage.
Keep your foot above heart height.
If, after a few days, you’re still in a lot of pain and your ankle is swollen, see Dr. Puthenpurakal.
Treatment for a sprained ankle focuses on controlling your pain, protecting your ankle joint as the injury heals, and strengthening the support muscles in your ankle. Available treatments include:
If you have a severe ligament tear that doesn’t heal, your podiatrist could recommend surgery to restore your ankle’s stability.
For the treatment of an ankle sprain, call American Foot & Ankle Specialists today, or use the online scheduling tool.