What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments, or tough bands of tissue that support your ankle, stretch and tear. Ankle sprains can result from rolling, twisting, or turning your ankle in a way that stretches the ligaments beyond their limits.
Ankle sprains range from mild to severe. A mild ankle sprain may involve microscopic fraying of the ligament fibers while a severe sprain causes the ligament to tear completely and may even cause ankle joint damage.
Most minor ankle sprains heal with home treatments like rest and ice, but severe ankle pain and swelling requires medical care. If you can’t put weight on your injured ankle without pain, you should call American Surgeons Group for treatment.
Without proper care, sprained ankles can lead to persistent foot and ankle pain, arthritis, and other problems that may affect your ability to walk or run.
How do I know if I have a sprained ankle?
Signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on the severity of the sprain. If you have a sprained ankle, you may experience:
- Pain that may be severe, especially when you bear weight on the injured foot
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Decreased range of motion
- Ankle instability
In some cases, you may also experience a popping sound or sensation when the injury occurs.
What causes ankle sprains?
People of all ages get sprained ankles for various reasons. This type of injury can happen during sports or while walking to your mailbox. You may sprain your ankle during a fall or unintentionally roll your foot while running.
Regardless of how your ankle sprain occurred, Dr. Horak or Dr. Shauger help you recover and prevent future injuries from happening.
How do you diagnose and treat a sprained ankle?
First, Dr. Horak or Dr. Shauger carefully examine your foot and ankle. They may gently press the area and test your range of motion to determine which ligament is injured. They may also take an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound to rule out an ankle fracture.
Then, Dr. Horak or Dr. Shauger develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual condition. Depending on the severity of your sprain, treatment may include:
- Resting and icing the ankle
- Ankle immobilization such as bracing and using crutches
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
If your ankle is severely sprained or fractured, they may recommend surgical repair. Dr. Horak has extensive experience in minimally invasive ankle surgery.
For expert treatment of ankle sprains and injuries, call American Surgeons Group or book an appointment online.
