What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a ligament injury. Your ligaments are durable, stretchy connective tissues that bind all of the bones in your ankle joint together. Even though ligaments are designed to stretch and bounce right back into place, it’s certainly possible to push them beyond their limits. Usually, this occurs if you roll or twist your ankle.
Ankle sprains are among the most common types of sports injuries because of the extra strain you place on the joints. This type of injury is more likely to occur if you wear unsupportive shoes while training or if you regularly run on hilly, uneven surfaces.
How do I know if I sprained my ankle?
Oftentimes, you can tell that you sprained your ankle because of the signs and symptoms you experience. Ankle sprains commonly lead to:
- Redness or bruising
- Swelling and tenderness
- Ankle weakness or instability
- Difficulty bearing weight on your injured foot
But these issues mimic what you experience when you break a bone, too. Because of this, it’s important to visit Michael J. Brunetti, DPM, PC, to get X-rays so Dr. Brunetti can diagnose you and get you started on the proper treatment right away.
What is the treatment for an ankle sprain?
Initially, the goal of your customized ankle sprain treatment plan is to minimize pain and inflammation while simultaneously promoting healing. This early treatment stage may involve:
- One-on-one, hands-on physical therapy
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Therapeutic exercise
- Balancing exercises
- Ultrasound
- Taping
- Cold laser therapy
- Stabilization with a brace, cast, or splint
- Neuromuscular reeducation
- Custom orthotics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
It's important to keep your ankle strong, flexible, and to maintain stablility. To ensure full recovery, physical therapy is an important aspect of your treatment plan.
The skilled team at Michael J. Brunetti, DPM, PC, can help you recover from minor-to-complex ankle sprains without surgery. Call the office today or schedule your next appointment using the online booking tool.
