Sprained Ankle

Sprained Ankle Specialists

Every day, about 25,000 Americans experience a sprained ankle. Though common, a sprained ankle can make even simple tasks like walking the dog painful, so it’s important you seek professional treatment as soon as possible. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC in St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Hatim Burhani DPM, FACFAS, Siraj Panchbhaiya, DPM, FACFAS, and the team specialize in the treatment of sprained ankles using conservative, nonsurgical means. To request your appointment today, call the office to speak with a friendly team member or click the online scheduling tool.

Sprained Ankle Q & A

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is a common musculoskeletal injury that occurs when you roll, twist, or step down on your ankle in an awkward way. Ultimately, this causes the ligaments that surround your ankle joint –– tough bands of fibrous tissue –– to stretch and overextended. The overextended ligaments swell and bruise, causing pain, discomfort, and in serious cases, immobility.

Sprained ankles are usually associated with physical activity, such as playing sports. But it’s possible to sprain your ankle as a result of walking on an uneven surface or stepping in a hole.

What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?

The symptoms of a sprained ankle vary. However, telltale signs include:

Bruising
Swelling
Tenderness
Pain
Restricted range of motion
Ankle instability

If you experience an ankle sprain, you might also hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury.

Who is at risk of experiencing a sprained ankle?

Anyone can experience a sprained ankle, but there are several factors that increase your risk, including:

Playing sports
Walking or running on uneven surfaces
Experiencing a prior ankle injury
Being in poor physical condition

The type of shoes you wear can also put you at risk. For example, if you wear high heels or shoes without adequate support, you are at greater risk of rolling or twisting your ankle.

How is a sprained ankle diagnosed?

To diagnose a sprained ankle your Eastside Podiatry PLLC provider examines your foot, lower leg, and ankle. Your doctor also gently presses on your skin to check for points of tenderness. You might be asked to stand up or walk around the exam room so your provider can check your range of motion and to pinpoint the underlying cause of pain. If necessary, your doctor might also recommend X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your feet and ankles.

How is a sprained ankle treated?

Whenever possible, the caring providers at Eastside Podiatry PLLC use conservative, nonsurgical treatments to ease pain caused by a sprained ankle. Usually, they recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation, also known as the RICE protocol. If your pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from an ankle brace or physical therapy. If your sprain doesn’t heal or your ankle joint remains unstable, surgical intervention may be necessary.

To learn more about your treatment options for a sprained ankle, make an appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.