Ankle Sprain
What are ankle sprains?
Ankle sprains occur when you extend the ligaments in your ankle beyond their limits. Damage can range from overstretching to tears and sometimes a complete rupture of a ligament.
Ligaments attach your bones to other bones in your joints. A sprain is damage to your ligaments, whereas a strain is an injury of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones. You can also fracture your ankle, and sometimes even suffer a sprain, strain, and break at the same time.
What symptoms do sprained ankles cause?
As well as pain, symptoms of ankle sprains can include:
- Tenderness when touching your ankle
- Bruising and swelling
- Inability to do ankle circles properly
- Weakness in the joint
Pain from ankle sprains is likely to be particularly bad when you attempt to stand or walk.
Ankle sprains often present with:
Sharp pain when moving or bearing weight
Swelling and bruising around the ankle
Tenderness when touching the joint
Instability or “giving out” feeling
Limited range of motion
Difficulty walking or doing ankle circles
If the pain is severe or you can’t put weight on the ankle, it could indicate a more serious tear or fracture.
Toetal Podiatry has its own in-office imaging technology, including ultrasound and X-rays, to diagnose ankle sprains and assess the extent of any ligament damage. When necessary, they also use diagnostic arthroscopy, accessing your ankle through a small incision and inserting a tiny camera into the joint.
What causes an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains can occur from:
Sudden twisting movements
Walking or running on uneven ground
Sports injuries
Wearing unstable footwear
Previous ankle sprains causing instability
Even a minor misstep can cause a sprain, especially if your ligaments are already weakened.
Would I need surgery for a sprained ankle?
Most people find that conservative treatments resolve their ankle sprains without any need for surgery. If the injury is severe, such as a complete rupture, you would need surgery because the ligament can’t repair itself if it’s severed.
Surgery might also be necessary if your ankle isn’t healing or you have chronic instability in the joint. The Toetal Podiatry team can perform minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery or open surgery, depending on your injury and what’s best for you. They tailor a treatment plan for each patient’s individual needs.
For expert treatment of ankle sprains, call Toetal Podiatry today or book an appointment online.
FAQs about Ankle Sprains
Q: How long does it take to heal?
A: Mild sprains may heal in 1–2 weeks. Moderate to severe sprains can take 4–8 weeks or more with proper treatment.
Q: Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
A: It depends on the severity. Walking too soon may worsen the injury. Always get evaluated before resuming activity.
Q: Are ankle sprains preventable?
A: Yes, with strength training, balance exercises, and proper footwear, you can reduce your risk.
Q: What happens if I ignore a sprain?
A: You risk long-term instability, joint damage, or recurrent sprains. Early treatment ensures full recovery.
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