Sprained Ankle Specialist

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is an injury that involves stretching or tearing the ligaments that connect your bones. Ankle sprains are a common sports injury, and they also happen in other situations, for example, stepping in a hole or landing badly as you step off the curb. 

What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?

The symptoms can vary based on the severity of your ankle sprain. 

Grade 1 ankle sprain

A grade 1 ankle sprain involves overstretching and tiny tears in your ligament fibers. You may have some mild soreness and swelling. Although bearing weight is usually easy enough, it’s best to avoid it immediately after the injury. 

Grade 2 ankle sprain

With a grade 2 ankle sprain, your ligament is partially torn. It causes moderate pain and swelling and may cause bruising. A grade 2 ankle sprain can affect ankle stability, too. Bearing weight with a grade 2 ankle sprain can be uncomfortable. 

Grade 3 ankle sprain

A grade 3 ankle sprain is a full tear in the affected ligament. It causes serious pain, swelling, bruising, and dramatic ankle instability. Usually, you’re unable to bear weight with a grade 3 ankle sprain.

Most ankle sprains occur in the outer ligaments of your ankle, but in rare cases, sprains can affect the inner ankle ligaments. 

How do you treat ankle sprains?

Your Godoy Foot & Ankle Center podiatrist typically begins with a physical examination. You may need on-site X-rays to rule out fractures and other types of damage. However, X-rays don’t show soft tissue damage.

In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend additional imaging like an ultrasound to analyze the severity of the ligament damage. 

Treatment for an ankle sprain often involves some of the following protocols:

• Rest
• Ice
• Elevation
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Taping or ankle bracing
• Prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises
• Crutches

If your ligament doesn’t heal after conservative treatments, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. The Godoy Foot & Ankle Center podiatrists are board-certified foot and ankle surgeons who can expertly repair ligaments to restore your ankle health. 

An untreated ankle sprain can cause lasting damage. After a sprain, ligaments that don’t heal correctly are more susceptible to future sprains. You’re also more prone to long-term ankle instability if your sprain isn’t properly treated.

For expert podiatric help for your sprained ankle, call Godoy Foot & Ankle Center or use the online booking tool.