Don't Spiral Into an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain can be painful and usually occurs before you know it! When you sprain your ankle the ligaments that connect the bones to the joints are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains generally occur after an irregular landing following jumping or twisting suddenly. A large amount of ankle sprains transpire during sporting activities or when walking on jagged surfaces.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain include:

• Ankle discomfort

• Swelling

• Instability

• Inflexibility

• Weakness

Early treatment for your ankle sprain will lead to a faster recovery, so try the following:

• Practice the RICE method:  Rest, ice, compression and elevation.

• Slowly start to bear weight on the sprained ankle and use crutches.

• Participate in physical therapy to reduce pain in the ankle while at the same time providing strength, mobility and stability to the injured ankle. This will help to advance stamina and balance.

Recovery can vary, but if your ankle sprain does not recover appropriately, you must consider surgery to repair overly strained ligaments and to prevent a chronically instable ankle from developing. Ankle replacement surgery is usually not required for a sprain, but may be necessary if multiple sprains on the same ankle lead to complications. This is accomplished by removing damaged parts of the bone and cartilage to replace them with other apparatuses. Ankle replacement allows for continued mobility and reduced discomfort. This procedure therefore attacks ankle arthritis or other ankle joint issues to allow for continued daily routines without the severe pain.

Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.