Sprained Ankle Specialist

A sprain refers to damage to your ligaments. Ligaments are the thick, elastic-like bands that connect your bones to one another and give them stability.

You can sprain your ankle if you twist, turn, or roll your ankle and stretch one or more of your ankle ligaments beyond their normal range of motion. Doctors classify sprained ankles into three different types, based on the kind of movement that caused them.

Ranging from most common to least common, the three types of ankle sprain are:

• Lateral inversion sprain — foot rolls inward, injuring ligaments on outer side of ankle (especially the anterior talofibular ligament)
• Medial eversion sprain — foot rolls outward, injuring ligaments on inner side of ankle
• High ankle sprain (aka syndesmosis) — foot rolls outward and leg rolls inward

The symptoms of a sprained ankle vary according to how much ligament damage has occurred:

• First degree – slight stretching of one or more ligaments causes mild tenderness
• Second degree – partial tearing of a ligament causes moderate tenderness and swelling, as well as possible ankle instability
• Third-degree – complete ligament tear results in severe pain, swelling, and ankle instability

You are at increased risk for a sprained ankle if you:

• Play competitive sports, run, hike, or dance
• Have injured your ankle before
• Walk or run on uneven surfaces
• Wear ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels
• Are in poor physical condition

Treatment for sprained ankles varies by degree, too. First-line treatment for any sprain is the RICE protocol (rest, icing, compression, elevation).

You may also need:

• First degree – bandage wrap
• Second degree – ankle brace or walking boot
• Third degree – cast or walking boot

Third-degree sprains that aren’t treated or don’t respond to treatment can cause permanent ankle instability. Professional athletes or men and women who repeatedly sprain their ankles may require surgery to repair or tighten their ligaments.

No matter what your degree of sprained ankle, you need physical therapy to minimize the risk of injuring your ankle again. Dr. Zwiebel provides on-site physical therapy at the Park East Podiatry office. Dr. Zwiebel also teaches you exercises you can use at home to stretch and strengthen your ligaments to aid healing and avoid future injury.

Don’t ignore the pain of a sprained ankle. When you injure your ankle, contact Dr. Zwiebel. You can call the friendly Park East Podiatry staff or book a consultation online.