Signs And Treatment For Sprained Ankles

Whenever there is an injury to your foot or ankle, it can have serious negative effects on the rest of your body. Because the feet and ankles are the foundation for your whole body, pain and discomfort can destabilize you and even cause immobility, if it is bad enough. 

Whether you have been involved in an automobile accident, misjudged the next step, or fell while playing a sport, the possibility of spraining your ankle is there. At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute, our expert Provo, Utah, foot doctors understand the importance of walking and moving without pain in your feet and ankles, so we strive to help you through ankle sprains and many other conditions affecting your feet and ankles.

What Is A Sprained Ankle?

When your ankle is rolled, twisted, or turned in an awkward way, the resulting injury may be a sprained ankle. The sprain results when the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that hold your ankle bones together are stretched or torn. When the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion, they are no longer able to stabilize the joints and prevent excessive movement. More often than not, the sprain will occur on the outer side of the ankle.

Signs Of A Sprain

In general, you will know when you have engaged in an activity that has caused an injury to your ankle. Many of the common signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle are similar to those of a broken or fractured ankle, but the affected area is different. This is why you should always have a qualified medical professional such as a podiatrist evaluate your ankle issue.

Some common signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

• Pain, especially when bearing weight
• Tenderness to the touch
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Restricted or limited range of motion
• Instability in the ankle
• Popping sound at the time of injury

If you have experienced any or all of these symptoms, contact our professional podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute.

Treatment For A Sprain

Our expert foot doctors at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute will evaluate your ankle injury and determine the best course of treatment. You may also be able to provide your ankle with at-home care before seeing the doctor. The R.I.C.E. method has shown to be very effective in preventing excessive swelling and helping with pain. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are excellent at-home treatments. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain.

For severe sprains, you may need devices such as crutches, ankle support braces, or a cast or walking boot provided to you by the foot doctor. Physical therapy may also be suggested to help with range of motion, strength, flexibility, and stability. You will begin therapy only when the swelling and pain has lessened to the point that you feel comfortable enough to put pressure on your ankle and bear weight. Beginning therapy before you have the strength can result in further injury and more pain. If the sprain is extremely severe, you may need surgery to repair the ligament that won’t heal or reconstruct a ligament that was severely damaged.

Contact Our Expert Provo, Utah, Foot Doctors

At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute, our expert foot doctors have the skills, knowledge, and experience to diagnose your ankle injury and recommend the best course of treatment for you. Contact our certified podiatrists today to make an appointment and get on the road to recovery from your ankle sprain. We are here to help you get back on your feet and live a pain-free life.