Ankle Sprains: Expert Care and Recovery

What You Need To Know

Understanding ankle sprains, their symptoms, and when to see a podiatrist.

Understanding Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain refers to tearing of the ligaments of the ankle. The most common ankle sprain occurs on the lateral or outside part of the ankle. This is an extremely common injury which affects many people during a wide variety of activities. It can happen in the setting of an ankle fracture, when the bones of the ankle also break, but most commonly it occurs in isolation.

Sprained ankles may occur when a person accidentally rolls, twists, or turns their ankle in an awkward way. When your foot lands off balance, muscles may give way, allowing the ankle joint to move too far. If ligaments connecting the foot and anklebones overstretch or tear, a sprain is the result. Depending on the sprain, swelling and bruising may extend from your ankle into your foot.

Symptoms that point to a sprained ankle may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and pain at the affected area. Some patients also experience restricted range of motion or feel instability in the ankle. Patients typically report pain after having twisted an ankle, usually due to an inversion injury, which means the foot rolls underneath the ankle or leg. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a person may or may not be able to put weight on the foot.

If the pain and swelling have not subsided in a day or so, or if you have difficulty walking, please come see a podiatrist for assessment of your injury. We will carefully examine your ankle and feet and order imaging tests like an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Treatment, Risk Factors, and Prevention

RICE is the best way to begin treatment at home. Rest your ankle or foot until you can see a doctor. Ice the area as soon as possible to reduce inflammation and reapply every three or four hours, protecting your skin by placing a bandage or thin towel between the ice and your body. Compress the swollen ankle with an elastic bandage, and elevate the leg on pillows, above your heart if possible. Oral anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can also reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.

If damage or pain is severe, your doctor may tape, splint, or cast the sprain. Once immobilized, the torn tissues can rest and heal in the proper position. You may need to use crutches temporarily if your foot cannot support weight. After a period, you may be able to resume some activities by wearing a special boot or soft cast with crutches.

Some people are predisposed to ankle sprains. In people with a hindfoot varus, meaning the posture of the heels is slightly turned toward the inside, these injuries are more common because it is easier to turn on the ankle. Those who have had a severe sprain in the past, or who have weak peroneal muscles along the outside of the ankle, may also be more prone to reinjury.

To better prevent an ankle sprain, warm up before intense physical activities, use caution on rough surfaces, consider using tape or a brace on a previously injured ankle, and avoid footwear that puts tension on your ankles. With proper care, sprains can heal correctly, and our podiatrists will guide your recovery and help reduce the risk of reinjury.