One misstep on a flight of stairs or a minor trip and fall can cause you to roll or twist your ankle and overstretch your ligaments. This painful condition, known as an ankle sprain, warrants prompt medical attention from Foot Pain Doctor NY in Midtown East, New York City, since an ankle sprain can lead to chronic pain and instability. If you sprained your ankle, book an exam online today, or call the office to schedule your appointment.
Ankle Sprain
What causes an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is notoriously one of the most common sports injuries, although anyone can suffer from an ankle sprain by doing simple, everyday tasks. Your ankle joint is bound together by numerous connective tissues that help give you stability, while also aiding in normal foot motions, like pointing and flexing.
Ankle sprains occur when ligaments, which connect bones to bones, are overstretched beyond their normal ability. They may even be torn. Some of the most common causes of ankle sprains include:
- Falling down
- Landing incorrectly from a jump
- Missing a step on a flight of stairs
- Training or running on hard, hilly, or uneven surfaces
If you’ve had an ankle sprain in the past, your risk of re-injury is high, especially if you have never had it properly treated.
How do I know if I sprained my ankle?
At the moment you sprain your ankle, you may feel or even hear a sudden “pop.” This is often followed by sudden pain that worsens over the next couple of days. Depending on the severity of your ankle sprain, you may also experience:
- Minor to severe swelling
- Extreme tenderness
- Bruising or redness
A sprained ankle is also known for causing ankle instability. You may find that it’s nearly impossible to bear weight on your ankle or that you can’t bend or flex your toes. Any of these symptoms could also be a warning sign of an ankle fracture, which is why it’s important to come into Foot Pain Doctor NY for a diagnosis.
Which ankle sprain treatment is most effective?
Treating an ankle sprain involves a holistic approach, where your dedicated podiatrist finds personalized solutions to relieve pain, while also treating the injury to promote tissue healing. Your ankle sprain treatment plan can include:
- Physical therapy and balance training (after swelling subsides)
- Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Immobilization with a boot or cast
- Supportive orthotic inserts
- Regular icing
With each passing week, you should find that your ankle sprain injury continues to improve. If your ankle sprain isn’t getting better or if you have a severe instability issue, your podiatrist at Foot Pain Doctor NY could recommend surgery to repair damaged tissues to help you return to 100%.
Book your ankle sprain evaluation at Foot Pain Doctor NY directly through the website. You can also call the office directly to speak with a team member.