Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually occurring on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are similar to rubber bands that connect one bone to another and hold the joints together.
Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.
What Causes A Sprained Ankle?
Sprained ankles often result from forces the cause the ankle joint to move out of its normal position. Ankle sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface.
Sometimes ankle sprains occur because of weak ankles, a condition that some people are born with.
Sign & Symptoms
- Pain or soreness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty Walking
Even if you don’t have pain or swelling with a sprained ankle, treatment is crucial. Any ankle sprain
whether it’s your first or your fifth requires prompt medical attention.
If you think you’ve sprained your ankle, contact East Penn Foot and Ankle Assocaites for an
appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, Use the “R.I.C.E.” method - Rest, Ice,
Compression, and Elevation - to help reduce swelling, pain, and further injury.
Why Prompt Medical Attention Is Needed?
There are four key reasons why an ankle sprain should be promptly evaluated and treated by a East Penn Foot and Ankle Associates:
- An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability
- You may have suffered a more severe ankle injury along with the sprain, including a serious bone fracture
- An ankle sprain may be accompanied by a foot injury that causes discomfort but has gone unnoticed thus far
- Rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away
In evaluating your injury, the East Penn Foot and Ankle Associates will take your history to learn more about the injury. We will examine the injured area, and may order x-rays, an MRI study, or a CT scan to help determine the severity of the injury.
Non-Surgical Treatment & Rehabilitation
- Immobilization
- Ear;y Physical Therapy
- Oral medication [Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)]
- Icing
- Compression Wraps
When Is Surgery Needed?
In more severe cases, surgery may be required to adequately treat an ankle sprain. Surgery often involves repairing the damaged ligament or ligaments. East Penn Foot and Ankle Assocaites will select the surgical procedure best suited for your case.
After surgery, rehabilitation is extremely important. Completing your rehabilitation program is crucial to a successful outcome. |
