Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are common, especially among athletes, and properly treating them is the best way to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. At Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons located throughout Nebraska, the highly trained podiatrists treat mild to severe ankle sprains to ensure exceptional healing and relieve discomfort. Call the office to schedule an evaluation, or request one online today.

What are ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains are injuries that affect your ankle joint, the joint that connects your foot to your lower leg and consists of muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. 

Ankle sprains may occur if you twist, roll, or turn your ankle in an abnormal way. Doing so may tear or stretch ligaments that stabilize your ankle beyond its usual range of motion. Most sprained ankles affect the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. 

What are the symptoms of ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains can cause the following symptoms:

• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Discomfort while walking
• Instability
• Weakness
• Popping sounds during the injury
• Reduced joint range of motion

The symptoms vary from person to person, ranging in severity from mild to severe and crippling. 

What are the risk factors for ankle sprains?

The causes and risk factors associated with ankle sprains include:

• Twisting or rolling your ankle
• Falling down
• Playing sports
• Jumping
• Pivoting
• Exercising on uneven surfaces
• Landing awkwardly after jumping
• Another person landing on your foot
• Previous ankle injuries
• Poor flexibility or strength
• Ill-fitted footwear

Sports that may increase your risk of ankle sprains include tennis, basketball, soccer, football, and trail running. 

Without proper treatment, ankle sprains can sometimes cause ongoing ankle discomfort or instability and arthritis of the ankle joint. 

Prevention measures include warming up and training properly before playing sports, not exercising on uneven surfaces, wearing a brace or athletic tape on a previously injured ankle, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes. You may also consider undergoing stability and balance exercises.

How are ankle sprains diagnosed?

To diagnose ankle sprains, your podiatrist examines your feet and ankles. They review your medical history, symptoms, and how you sprained your ankle. Your specialist may recommend X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, or a CT scan to detect the extent of ankle tissue damage you have and develop an effective treatment.

How are ankle sprains treated?

Treating ankle sprains often involves at-home care and sometimes medical intervention. You can ice a sprained ankle to reduce swelling, wear a supportive brace or athletic tape, elevate your ankle, and rest the affected joint while it heals. Ease back into physical activity slowly.

Additional treatments include physical therapy, a walking boot or cast, and surgery if conservative treatments haven’t worked or you have a severely sprained ankle. Surgery at Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons can repair or reconstruct non-healing tissues.

To get relief from ankle sprains, schedule an appointment at Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons by phone or request one online today.