What is a sprained ankle?
Your ankle is a joint where three bones come together, which are supported by a host of soft tissue components, including:
While your ligaments are designed to allow movement, when they’re pushed past their breaking point, they can stretch or tear, which leads to a sprained ankle.
What causes a sprained ankle?
Most sprained ankles occur on the outside of your ankle and are often a result of:
- Rolling your ankle to the outside
- Landing incorrectly
- Exercising on an uneven surface
- Trauma to your ankle, like a collision on the playing field
While sprained ankles lead the charge in sports injuries, they can occur at any time — even stepping awkwardly on or off a curb can lead to a sprained ankle.
What are the signs of a sprained ankle?
The first thing you’ll likely notice if you have a sprained ankle is pain, especially when you place weight on your foot. You may also experience:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Inability to bear weight
These symptoms typically come on very quickly, or at least develop within hours of spraining your ankle.
How is a sprained ankle treated?
If you suspect you’ve sprained your ankle, you should immediately apply the RICE method, which is:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
While you’re doing this, you should be making arrangements to see Dr. Golub so he can determine the extent of the sprain and the appropriate treatment.
When you come in, Dr. Golub performs a physical exam, reviews your symptoms, and may turn to more advanced imaging to take a look at what’s going on inside. Once he has an idea of the problem, he recommends a treatment plan, which typically includes one or more of the following:
- Continuing the RICE method
- Medications for the pain and inflammation
- Splinting, wrapping, or bracing
- Crutches, if necessary
- Physical therapy
It’s important that you follow Dr. Golub’s instructions so that you allow time for your ankle to heal properly because pushing yourself only prolongs your recovery.
For prompt treatment of your sprained ankle, call Arizona Foot Health or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
