Ankle Sprain Treatment
A “twisted ankle” could be a lot more serious than it seems. Ankle sprains can range from slightly tearing fibers to fully ripping a ligament. If the injury is severe and improperly treated, there may be long-term problems. If you have had any twist of your ankle, it is best to visit Cherrywood Foot Care’s podiatrist in Merrick to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Sprained Ankle?
Often caused by tripping, falling, walking on an uneven surface, or playing a sport, a sprained ankle is the tearing of the ligaments that support the ankle due to overstretching. The size of these tears can vary, but medical attention should be sought out regardless of this.
Treating an Ankle Sprain
Doctors will often grade an ankle sprain to determine an appropriate treatment plan for its severity. As for a timeline for recovery, these treatment plans are often completed in three phases. These include:
- Phase 1: ankle immobilization and wearing a cast or brace if necessary
- Phase 2: functional rehabilitation to increase strength and range of motion
- Phase 3: gradually returning to pre-injury activities
Home Remedies
Some sprains may be mild enough to be treated at home. The tools used to do so often include:
- The RICE protocol – resting, icing, elevating, and applying compression to your ankle
- Medication – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling
Physical Therapy
Helping to improve flexibility, balance, and strength, physical therapy is a key step in recovery. Some techniques include:
- Early motion – starting movement early to prevent stiffness
- Balance training
- Strengthening exercises – making the muscles and tendons of your leg and ankle stronger
- Agility exercises – drills to work on strength, range of motion, and endurance
Surgery
If symptoms have continued for months or nonsurgical treatment options have not been effective, surgery may be recommended. Surgeries include:
- Arthroscopy – a camera looks at your ankle, and instruments remove bone, cartilage, or parts of ligament caught in the area
- Repair – stitches are used to repair the ligament
- Reconstruction – a tissue graft is used to reconstruct the ligament
Cherrywood Foot Care’s Ankle Sprain Treatment from our Podiatrist in Merrick
If you are experiencing ankle pain following a twist, immediately visit our podiatrist in Merrick. Without receiving appropriate treatment, you may develop long-term problems. Our experienced team at Cherrywood Foot Care is here to guide you to proper recovery. Contact us today to book an appointment!