Dr. Peter Caldwell sees patients daily at the Iowa Foot & Ankle Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA, for ankle sprains and other foot and ankle problems. Ankle sprains can happen to anyone at any age. Here's everything you need to know:
What Is a Sprained Ankle?
A group of ligaments supports your ankle. If these ligaments become torn or stretch too far, you will experience an ankle sprain. Sprains occur primarily after a fall, a foot roll, or an ankle twist. In most instances, a sprained ankle heals on its own.
After an ankle sprain heals, you need to strengthen the injured muscles to prevent further ankle sprains. If you sprain your ankle well enough and the pain is significant, you can be sure that you fractured a bone. You will notice bruising, tenderness, and swelling.
The good thing is that a sprain heals much faster than a fracture.
Is an Ankle Sprain Simply a Sprain? What Are the Symptoms?
There are different degrees of ankle sprains:
- Mild - Grade 1 - slight stretching of the fibers, possible small tear, minor swelling, pain, tenderness
- Moderate - Grade 2 - ligament tears but not wholly, swelling, pain on movement
- Severe - Grade 3 - completely torn ligament, significant swelling, immense pain, can't bear weight on the foot
To be sure you have sprained your ankle, you must come to our office in Cedar Rapids, IA, and let Dr. Caldwell examine your foot physically. He will determine your range of motion and what ligaments are affected, and he may order an imaging test or X-ray.
Sprained Ankle Treatment Options
The PRICE method is always the rule of thumb for sprained ankles, and the approaches are simple to use at home to ensure complete healing:
- Protection (using splints, braces, or crutches) non-weight-bearing
- Rest (limit activities and remain off your feet)
- Ice (20 minutes in a thick towel 3–4 times a day)
- Compression (wrap ankle with elastic bandage to decrease swelling)
- Elevation (raise foot on pillows while sitting or lying)
To ease pain and discomfort, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen. Healing time depends on the grade of your sprain.
Keep Your Feet and Ankles Healthy in Iowa!
Are you searching for an excellent podiatry doctor and surgeon to care for all your foot and ankle issues and ensure your feet and ankle remain healthy?
Call Dr. Caldwell today at 319-363-3543 at the Iowa Foot & Ankle Clinic in Cedar Rapids, IA, to schedule an appointment for possible ankle sprains or other foot and ankle issues.