A sprained ankle can occur when the ankle twists the wrong way. It is best to have a podiatrist examine your ankle if you sprain it. Ankle instability and chronic pain or discomfort can develop when an injured ankle joint does not heal correctly. A podiatrist can ensure the ankle recovers properly following a sprain. Dr. Timothy Mason and Dr. Jason Hancock, the skilled foot and ankle specialists at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando in Orlando, Oviedo, and Lake Mary, FL, can develop an individualized treatment plan to help you recover from a sprained ankle.
Causes of Sprained Ankles
If the ankle twists in a different direction than the foot, it can become sprained. As the ankle twists the wrong way, the ligaments can become stretched out or even tear. A sprained ankle needs time to heal properly. Otherwise, chronic instability and discomfort can develop. Some signs of a sprained ankle include swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and bruising. Additional signs that can be an indication of a sprained ankle include a limited range of motion, instability, and difficulty walking.
Some common causes of sprained ankles include:
- Jogging on rough or uneven surfaces, such as trails
- Playing sports that involve a lot of jumping, such as basketball
- Performing high-impact movements, such as jumping
- Wearing shoes little or no support
- Wearing shoes with high heels
Treating a Sprained Ankle
The best thing to do after sustaining a sprained ankle is to see one of the foot and ankle specialists. Our experienced podiatrists can recommend specific medication interventions and actions you can take at home to help your ankle heal properly. Treating a sprained ankle involves rest and rehabilitation. A treatment plan could include any or all of the following components:
- Resting the ankle and limiting physical activity
- Applying ice or a cold compress to the ankle
- Wearing a compression bandage
- Wearing braces or splints for additional support
- Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications
- Physical therapy to increase strength and flexibility
There are many things you can do for a sprained ankle to ensure proper healing. The highly trained foot and ankle specialists at our office in Orlando can develop a treatment plan to help you get back on your feet following an ankle sprain. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mason or Dr. Hancock, call Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando at (407) 365-9511. Additional office locations include Oviedo and Lake Mary.