Ankle sprains occur when ligaments around the ankle joint stretch or tear, usually after a fall or sports injury. Typical symptoms include swelling, pain, and bruising.
Allow the sprain to heal completely before resuming activities to prevent chronic instability and repeat injuries. For treatment, visit Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
Dr. Brian Snow and Dr. Jon Thompson are experts in orthopedic and sports injuries. They provide treatments such as physical therapy and PRP, as well as ankle surgery for sprains.
An ankle sprain is an injury that varies from mild to severe and affects the ligaments within the joint. It can take anywhere from a week to a few months for a sprain to heal, depending on the severity.
The best way to help the sprain heal is to ensure you take the right steps afterward. However, many people make some common but costly mistakes after an injury. The top three mistakes we see are:
Physical therapy is an essential component of ankle sprain recovery. The specific stretches and exercises help strengthen the surrounding tissues to support the ligaments as they heal.
Not allowing the sprain to heal fully is another costly mistake we see that adds weeks to months onto the recovery period. Another consequence of returning to normal activities too soon is chronic ankle instability, which can lead to additional sprains and surgery.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the key to healing any injury, but especially ankle sprains. The first 48 hours are crucial for icing the injury to prevent excessive swelling and reduce discomfort.
After an ankle sprain, immediately stop your activity and assess your injury. Avoid putting weight on the ankle to reduce further harm and pain.
If you can walk with minimal pain, the injury is likely mild. Apply ice, consider anti-inflammatory medication as needed, and elevate the ankle when seated. Reassess in two days to monitor healing.
If the pain is more severe, it’s essential to avoid putting weight on the injury. Use a bandage to apply compression to prevent excessive swelling, and come into our walk-in orthopedic clinic immediately.
Place ice on the injury as well to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Never keep walking or playing on the injury – it could lead to more damage within the joint.
Not all ankle sprains require professional treatment, especially if they’re minor and heal on their own. However, if you can’t seem to get the ankle to feel better with home care, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment.
Schedule an evaluation if you experience persistent swelling or pain that does not improve with RICE and anti-inflammatories. Increased pain or trouble bearing weight also requires professional attention.
Numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking due to the injury are signs that you need professional treatment. The sooner you recognize the need for treatment, the more likely it is that the injury will heal without surgery.
We carefully evaluate the injury to rule out fractures or other issues and provide customized treatments tailored to your needs and schedule.
Call our McKinney or Prosper, Texas, offices, or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson or Dr. Snow for an ankle sprain. Take the next step toward faster healing and recovery today.
