Ankle Sprain Specialist
-
- Tweet
Front Range Foot and Ankle Clinic
Daniel Mallett, DPM
Podiatrist & Wound Care Specialist located in Parker, CO
One misstep on a flight of stairs or a minor trip and fall can cause you to roll or twist your ankle and overstretch your ligaments. This painful condition, known as an ankle sprain, requires prompt medical attention from Daniel Mallett, DPM, at Front Range Foot and Ankle Clinic. An ankle sprain can lead to chronic pain and instability so it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. If you sprained your ankle, book an exam online today or call the office in Parker, Colorado, to schedule your appointment.
Ankle Sprain Q&A
What causes an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries, although anyone can suffer from an ankle sprain by doing simple, everyday tasks.
Your ankle joint is bound together by numerous connective tissues that help give you stability, while also aiding in normal foot motions, like pointing and flexing.
Ankle sprains occur when ligaments, which connect bones to bones, are overstretched beyond their normal ability. They may even be torn. Some of the most common causes of ankle sprains include:
- Falling down
- Landing incorrectly from a jump
- Missing a step on a flight of stairs
- Training or running on hard, hilly, or uneven surfaces
If you’ve had an ankle sprain in the past, your risk of re-injury is high, especially if it wasn't properly treated.
How do I know if I sprained my ankle?
The moment you sprain your ankle, you may feel or even hear a sudden “pop.” This is often followed by sudden pain that worsens over the next couple of days. Depending on the severity of your ankle sprain, you may also experience:
- Minor to severe swelling
- Extreme tenderness
- Bruising or redness
A sprained ankle is also known for causing ankle instability. You may find that it’s nearly impossible to bear weight on your ankle or that you can’t bend or flex your toes.
Any of these symptoms could also be a warning sign of an ankle fracture, which is why it’s important to see Dr. Mallett at Front Range Foot and Ankle Clinic for a diagnosis.
What are treatments for ankle sprains?
After diagnosing your ankle sprain, Dr. Mallett creates a personalized solution to relieve your pain while treating the injury to promote tissue healing. Your ankle sprain treatment may include:
- Physical therapy and balance training (after the swelling subsides)
- Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Immobilization with a boot or cast
- Orthotic inserts with support
- Regular icing
With each passing week, you should find that your ankle sprain injury continues to improve. If your ankle sprain isn’t getting better or if you have a severe instability issue, Dr. Mallett might recommend surgery to repair damaged tissues.
Book your ankle sprain evaluation at Front Range Foot and Ankle Clinic online. You can also call the office directly to speak with a team member.
