ANKLE SPRAIN

An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments of the ankle; usually on the outside of the ankle in an inversion sprain. Ligaments are bands of tissue like rubber bands that connect one bone to another bone and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide the stability by limiting excessive lateral movement. When they become stretched or partially torn with an injury, they need time to heal. Occasionally the ligaments do not regain their original strength thus the ankle becomes unstable and prone to re-injury. This is especially true if the original injury was under treated.

Causes include sports injuries, miss-step on a curb,
in a hole, on uneven ground, or a slip and fall, etc. Unfortunately many of us are familiar with these from basketball or high heels.

Inversion sprain where the foot twists inward and the ligaments are torn on the outside. There are three ligaments susceptible to tears. Sprains are graded in severity according to the ligaments torn.
Medical Attention is needed to avoid:

Chronic Ankle Instability

Hidden Joint Damage

Delayed or Poor Rehabilitation

Symptoms and Signs of this type of injury would be pain and swelling with bruising and discoloration along with difficulty walking and stiffness in the joint.

Diagnosis and Clinical Examination are easily performed in our office with the aid of X-Ray’s, Ultrasound, CT Scan and MRI when needed.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

Immobilization – cast, brace, crutches
Compression – stop swelling
Ice and Elevation
Anti-inflammatory medication
Early Rehabilitation

Surgery when needed to repair or replace damaged ligaments and give stability to your ankle joint and
foot. Brace prevent re-injury and stabilize function. Available custom made by prescription.