Ankle Sprain Care and Recovery

What You Need To Know

Understanding ankle sprains, their symptoms, and when to seek professional care.

Understanding Ankle Sprains

Sprained ankles involve injuries resulting from rolling, turning, or twisting your ankle in an uncomfortable position. The awkward movement stretches or tears the ligaments that hold your ankle bones together and stabilize the joints. If you jump and land in an awkward position that causes ankle pain and swelling, you’ve probably sprained your ankle.

You’ll know immediately if you’ve sprained your ankle, as it’s painful at the time of injury. You may hear a popping sound when you sprain your ankle, followed by discomfort or pain. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of your sprain and may include ankle instability, pain, tenderness, bruising, and swelling. Sprained ankles cause a restricted range of movement, making it difficult to walk normally.

Sprained ankles occur when your ligaments go beyond their normal range of motion, causing them to stretch or tear. Common causes include falls, landing awkwardly after jumping, someone else stepping or landing on your foot, and walking or running over uneven surfaces. People who participate in sports are at greater risk of ankle sprains. Wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly or provide enough support also increases your risk.

If after two or three days of RICE therapy your sprained ankle has not improved, call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center for an evaluation to ensure your ankle heals fully.

Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains

The treatment for sprained ankles depends on the severity of your sprain. Many sprained ankles can be self-treated through RICE therapy, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers with anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, to help manage pain and swelling in the first few days after injury.

If your sprained ankle has not improved after two or three days of RICE therapy, it’s time to schedule an evaluation. During your visit, the podiatry team will assess the severity of the injury and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You may receive a referral for physical therapy, crutches to help you avoid putting weight on the affected ankle, or sports tape or a walking boot to stabilize your ankle while it heals.

Surgery is a treatment for severe sprains or when an ankle sprain doesn’t heal after months of physical therapy and exercise. Sometimes a ligament needs surgical repair, or a severely damaged ligament needs reconstruction with tissue from a nearby ligament or tendon. These cases are less common, but the option exists when conservative care isn’t enough.

With the right care, most patients recover fully and return to their regular activities. Getting evaluated sooner rather than later helps prevent chronic ankle instability and reduces the chance of repeat sprains down the road.