Signs You've Sprained Your Ankle

Signs You've Sprained Your Ankle

Have you ever sprained your ankle? if you have, you know that this twisting and tearing injury of the ligaments which connect your ankle ankle sprainbones really hurts. Beyond that, an ankle sprain limits mobility and if not treated, can become a chronic problem. That's why your podiatrists in Chandler, AZ, Dr. Gregory Krahn, Dr. Alan Discont and Dr. Boyd Andrews, want you to call Family Foot & Ankle Care at the first sign of a problem.

Why ankle sprains happen

Most ankle sprains are twist injuries. They occur suddenly, say physicians at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, as the result of:

  • Playing sports such as hockey, basketball and football
  • Walking or running on uneven surfaces such as grass and hills
  • Being obese
  • Falling down

These quick, twisting or rotating injuries usually affect the connective tissue, or ligaments, on the outer ankle. If not treated properly, they can lead to permanent damage in the form of ankle instability.

Signs that you have an ankle sprain

You've likely sustained an ankle sprain if:

  • Your ankle is red, swollen, and painful.
  • It's difficult or even impossible to bear weight on your ankle.
  • It's bruised and tender.

Some individuals say they have heard a tearing or popping sound as their injuries have occurred.

The diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Krahn, Dr. Discont and Dr. Andrews have seen and treated numerous ankle injuries in people of all ages. Visual inspection of symptoms, palpation of the ankle, X-rays, and possible MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound examination confirms the diagnosis.

Fortunately, most ankle sprains are stabilized and treated in simple ways:

  • Rest (staying off your feet)
  • Elevation of the foot and ankle
  • Ice to reduce swelling
  • Compression (with an elastic bandage)
  • Crutches
  • Immobilization with a soft cast
  • Stretching exercises
  • Physical therapy

More advanced sprains may require surgery. Fortunately, your Chandler, AZ, podiatrists provide state-of-the-art surgical procedures. such as arthroscopy, both in the office and in the hospital as needed. The aims of any ankle sprain treatment are elimination of pain, improvement of range of motion, and normalized weight bearing and gait.

Find out more

Feel better and prevent additional injury by getting that ankle sprain treated by your podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Care in Chandler, AZ. Their wide experience and kind patient care give sore ankles their best chance at full recovery. Call for an appointment: (480) 732-0033.