Tripping over a curb or rolling your foot over while playing sports are just two of the many ways you can suffer a severe ankle sprain injury. And since your ankle joint is held together by ligaments and tendons that are susceptible to stretching and even breaking, a seemingly minor sprain can have severe consequences in the future if it’s not properly treated.
Ankle sprains that are improperly treated are susceptible to being reinjured which can lead to a loose ankle and chronic instability issues, so see your foot doctor for proper care.
Treat ankle sprains promptly and completely with the help of your foot doctor to:
- Prevent chronic complications—You must allow ankle sprains to heal properly to avoid chronic ankle instability and weakness in the future. Ankle sprains can be difficult to treat yourself and a comprehensive physical therapy program developed by your foot doctor will help to slowly strengthen your ankle without causing a new injury.
- Determine the full extent of the injury—Since an ankle sprain can be concurrent with other foot injuries you should always have it checked out with your podiatrist.
Initial treatment for ankle sprains and other foot or ankle injuries consists of the RICE protocol:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method) will help to avoid additional injury and allow swelling to subside, so the full extent of the injury becomes more obvious. Treat inflammation and pain with OTC pain medications. See your foot doctor right away. You may have to wear a rigid boot while the ankle heals.
If you have a sprained ankle, see your podiatrist. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions, to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.