Suffering from a sprained ankle is no walk in the park...

A sprained ankle can be extremely painful and can be a serious interruption to your busy lifestyle, making it difficult to get around. You may have been exercising, walking in the park, or simply rolled or twisted your ankle while stepping off a curb. High heeled shoes have been the culprit in many ankle sprain injuries. Sprained ankle treatment can be challenging at times as the symptoms of a sprained ankle may be subtle or unbearable.

What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?

You may experience little or no pain with light activity and then experience more pain with increased activity. It may even be painful just to put any weight on your ankle and it will likely swell and may appear bruised. Your ankle may feel warm and be particularly sensitive to the touch.

What exactly is a sprained ankle?

The ankle is a complex joint and has a number of ligaments supporting it, as well as muscles and tendons passing around it. Any one of these structures may be injured in an ankle sprain. In the event of a sprain, the unnatural twisting or rolling motion will cause these soft tissues of the ankle to stretch excessively or become torn resulting in inflammation, pain and swelling.

Sprained Ankle Care

Sprained ankle treatment can begin at home. For your first aid, think of the word R.I.C.E. ... Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation. Try to avoid unnecessary activity. Ice can be applied for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours. Compression can be accomplished by wrapping snuggly with an ace bandage, being careful not to make it too tight impeding circulation. Lastly, when possible keep the foot elevated. These four steps should help to reduce the pain and swelling.

Next, you may want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gowdie of The Foot and Ankle Treatment Center. There you will be properly examined and an x-ray taken to see if there has been a fracture or possible shift in the bones, which is referred to as a dislocation. If there is a suspected soft tissue injury, an MRI or ultrasound may be ordered.

To promote healing, your treatment may involve wearing an ankle brace, walking boot or cast. In some cases surgery may be required.

If you need treatment for a sprained ankle or are concerned that your ankle may be broken, we encourage you to contact us at The Foot and Ankle Treatment Center. Our competent staff is ready to answer any questions you have and to set an appointment to get you started on the path to recovery. Call us at (706) 310-4288 or request appointment online.