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According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, more than 25,000 people sprain
their ankles on a daily basis. Now that is a lot of sprained ankles! And with so many people affected by sprains every day, it's important to understand how to prevent and care for an ankle injury if one does occur. Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones. Often, this will
result in the stretching or tearing in one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. If your
sprained ankle is not properly treated it may lead to chronic, recurring ankle problems in the future. Preventative Measures to Save your Ankle from Injury To prevent ankle sprains in the first place, it is imperative that correct shoes are worn for different activities. Good walking shoes, for instance, will provide comfort, stability and balance. The same goes for playing high-impact sports, such as basketball, which require enough support to endure the force and stress. Don't wear any sport shoe beyond its useful life, and always wear hard-top shoes when operating a lawn mower or other grass-cutting equipment. Conservative Treatment Unfortunately, not all ankle sprains can be prevented. The first form of treatment for an ankle sprain comes from the individual. With a sprain you need rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). By applying this treatment right away, you may be able to reduce symptoms and prevent further injury to your ankle. • Rest the ankle. Walking may cause further injury.
• Ice your ankle to reduce swelling.
• Apply compression to the injury with a wrap (Don't wrap too tightly).
• Elevate the injured ankle. It should be raised slightly above the level of your heart. An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability which is marked by persistent discomfort. Your ankle may even have moments where it simply "gives out." Resting the weak ankle and giving it adequate time to fully recover is crucial. When to see a Podiatrist For more serious sprains, conservative treatments may not be enough to relieve the symptoms, and you'll want to visit your podiatrist for professional care. Often seen in competitive athletes, these sprains may require therapy, orthotics or even surgery to repair or tighten the ligaments. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of the sprain and the consultation with your San Antonio podiatrist. In evaluating your injury, a podiatrist will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. X-rays and other advanced imaging technology may be ordered to determine the severity of the sprain. Consult with your San Antonio podiatrist for any of the following symptoms: • Persistent ankle pain, tenderness and swelling
• Ankle bruising or discoloration
• Trouble moving ankle
• Inability to put full weight on ankle Ankle sprains may be common, but that doesn't mean they should be taken lightly. Take action right away if you experience an ankle sprain, starting with is, rest, compression and elevation. When symptoms persist, contact your San Antonio podiatrist for professional care and a treatment plan to get you back on your feet.
Dr. Ed Davis is a leading podiatrist in San Antonio, TX. Providing over 25 years of experience and offering an array of foot and ankle care, including heel pain and bunion treatment, Dr. Davis is a qualified San Antonio podiatrist to handle any podiatric need.
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