Ankle Sprain Specialist

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain is an injury to the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that surround and connect the bones of the leg to the foot. The injury typically happens when you accidentally twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold your ankle bones and joints together.

All ligaments have a specific range of motion and boundaries that allow them to keep the joints stabilized. When ligaments surrounding the ankle are pushed past these boundaries, it causes a sprain. Sprained ankles most commonly involve injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

If you have sprain your ankle call to make an appointment to see Dr. Tabari.  He can determine the severity of the injury and recommend a proper course of treatment. 

What causes an ankle sprain?

You have ligaments in your ankle joint that help keep bones in position and stabilize your foot. When you damage or tear these ligaments, you have a sprain. You can sprain your ankle by:

• Falling down
• Walking on an uneven surface
• Twisting your ankle
• Rolling your ankle

Most ankle sprains develop on the outside of your ankle in lateral ligaments, which is why you may notice swelling over your bony ankle joint.  

Will I know if I have a sprained ankle?

The most common signs of a sprained ankle are pain and swelling, although it depends on the degree of your sprain. When your sprain is mild and only involves slight overstretching and minimal tearing of your ligaments, you only experience mild tenderness and swelling around your ankle.

With a moderate ankle sprain, your ligament is partially torn. You’re going to have pain and swelling around your ankle joint. Often, it’s common to have some bruising in the affected area, too. During your exam, you might notice that your ankle joint feels loose as Dr. Tabari moves your ankle in certain positions.

If you have a severe ankle sprain, your ligament is completely torn. Usually, patients who have this type of sprain can’t put any weight on their foot or ankle.

You should notice significant swelling around your ankle joint and lower calf. Because your ligament is torn, you have substantial instability in your ankle joint, which is evident during an examination.

How is a sprained ankle treated?

No matter what degree of ankle sprain you have, one thing's certain: You need to stay off of it. Resting and elevating your ankle is the best way to allow it to heal fully.  For most ankle sprains, Dr. Tabari wraps your foot and ankle or fits you for a walking cast to help stabilize your ankle joint.

Once inflammation starts decreasing, you might need physical therapy to strengthen your ankle and improve stability. Ankle sprains rarely require surgery. Getting proper treatment is essential to prevent future injuries. Without proper treatment, your ankle can continue to become unstable. Eventually, this can cause permanent damage to your bones and cartilage in your ankle joint.

Whether you recently sprained your ankle or are recovering from an old injury, schedule an appointment at Signature Footcare. You can book either online or over the phone.