Treating Your Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain refers to a commonplace injury when the ankle joint's ligaments – the tough bands of connective tissues that provide support and stability to the ankle joint's bones, are torn or stretched when accidentally and forcefully twisting your foot. Experience pain or discomfort from an ankle sprain and live in and around Newark, DE? Dr. Ernest Troisi, Dr. Jason Kline, and Dr. Anthony Caristo of the Delaware Foot and Ankle Group can help treat the cause and manage your ankle sprain symptoms.

Levels of Ankle Sprain Severity

Ankle sprains refer to a common injury that can potentially happen at any age. However, ankle sprains are especially common among active individuals who participate in sports requiring the following movements –

• Sudden changes in direction
• Jumping
• Running on an uneven surface.

The severity of ankle sprain is categorized as follows–

Grade 1-Mild Sprain

In the mildest sprain, the ligaments are stretched, but rarely are ligaments torn. Symptoms include discomfort/mild pain, limited ankle movement, and swelling.  

Grade 2-Moderate Sprain

A moderate sprain typically includes ligaments that have been partially torn. The pain, bruising, inflammation, and inability to use the affected foot are more intense and noticeable than a grade 1 sprain.  

Grade 3-Severe Sprain

 A severe sprain happens when the ankle joint's ligaments are completely torn. The symptoms include intense pain, difficulty when walking/bearing weight, as well as bruising and swelling.

Treating An Ankle Sprain

Proper treatment and rehabilitation are essential if your ankle joint ligaments recover their original strength and stability. If you suspect you have an ankle sprain, consult a healthcare professional at the Delaware Foot and Ankle Group today.

R.I.C.E.

The R.I.C.E. protocol (i.e., Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often the most effective initial treatment as it can help reduce swelling and lessen associated pain.  

Medication

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds or pain relievers can help manage pain and swelling.

Immobilization

Immobilizing the ankle, which may include a splint, brace, or cast, may help protect the injured area and promote recovery.

Custom Orthotics

If underlying biomechanical issues have been a contributing factor to the ankle sprain, custom orthotics can be used to provide support and correct foot mechanical imbalances.

Therapeutic Exercises

A podiatrist may prescribe exercises that help you restore the injured ankles' strength, stability, and range of motion. 

In those instances where damage is extensive, surgery may be considered if more conservative approaches fail to achieve the desired results.

Contact Delaware Foot and Ankle Group for a Consultation Today

If you live/work/play in the greater Newark, DE area and you sprain your ankle, contact Dr. Troisi, Dr. Kline, Dr. Caristo, or a member of Delaware Foot and Ankle Group's staff at (302) 834-3575 or online.