Ankles are vulnerable to bending and twisting during physical activities, leading to sprained ligaments. At their offices in Clarksville, Nashville, and Erin, Tennessee, and Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the Gateway Foot and Ankle Center team offers prompt diagnosis and treatment of ankle sprains. With their help, you can regain complete function and avoid joint instability. To benefit from outstanding ankle sprain treatment, call your nearest Gateway Foot and Ankle Center office today or go online to request an appointment.
An ankle sprain is an injury in which the ligaments in your ankle stretch too far or tear. They’re usually acute injuries that occur when you’re physically active. Ankle sprains tend to happen when the joint bends too far to the left or right or twists too far around.
Ligaments are connective tissues that attach the bones in your joints to each other. They also stabilize joints. Ligaments stretch when you move the joint, but only to a certain extent. If you force the ligament beyond its limits, you end up with a sprain.
The severity of your ankle sprain depends on the force your joint sustains; for example, you might have a mild sprain where the ligament is just overstretched. However, extreme force can cause the tissue to tear partially or completely, causing a serious injury that could affect the ankle long-term.
Sprained ankle symptoms include:
A bad sprain can make it hard to walk or even bear weight at all. These symptoms can closely resemble an ankle fracture or severe tendon strain, so it’s vital to visit Gateway Foot and Ankle Center for an accurate diagnosis.
If you don’t receive expert care for your ankle sprain, you could develop long-term instability in the joint that makes you prone to injuring it again.
First aid helps reduce swelling and pain until you can get to Gateway Foot and Ankle Center. RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is the best method.
RICE involves keeping your weight off the ankle and applying ice packs at intervals. A pressure bandage supports the joint and eases swelling, and raising your leg above the level of your heart prevents blood from pooling in the foot.
When you visit Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, your provider examines the ankle and orders X-rays or other diagnostic imaging procedures to assess the tissue damage.
Ankle sprain treatment options include:
You may need surgery if the ankle sprain is severe and the ligament tears or ruptures. The Gateway Foot and Ankle Center team specializes in minimally invasive surgeries to repair or reconstruct ankle ligaments.
If you suffer an ankle sprain, get prompt treatment by calling Gateway Foot and Ankle Center or booking an appointment online today.