Sprained Ankle

What happens when I sprain my ankle?

Sprains are the stretching or tearing of ligaments. You have many ligaments in your body, connecting the bones and keeping your joints stable. If overstressed, the ligaments can stretch or tear, causing pain and inflammation.

There could be several reasons why you have pain in your ankle, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis in order to receive the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, the absence of treatment or its delay can cause a permanent weakening of the ankle joint and may result in long-term pain.

What causes a sprained ankle?

Injuries to your ankles are often caused by physical activity, for example:

• Taking part in sports
• Running on uneven terrain
• Moving suddenly or awkwardly
• Taking on more than your body is able to manage

You can also sprain your ankle if you have an accident, such as tripping or falling over, especially if you wear high heels. Some people naturally have weaker ankles that make them more susceptible to injury.

How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?

If you hurt your ankle, it could be a sprain, or it might be a strain (where the tendon is affected rather than the ligament), or even a fracture in the ankle bones. In some cases, the pain and swelling may be due to another cause, such as a blood clot. Therefore, it’s vital to consult Kalmar Family Podiatry to get an accurate diagnosis.

Your podiatrist can examine your ankle and order X-rays or an ultrasound scan to determine the cause of the problem.

How are sprained ankles treated?

If you incur an ankle injury, get ice on your ankle as soon as you can, and apply a compression bandage to control the swelling. You can take over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatory medicine to make the ankle more comfortable.

Your podiatrist at Kalmar Family Podiatry can fit you with a brace or a special boot to take pressure off the joint and encourage it to heal, and having physical therapy sessions helps to heal the ligaments and restore function.

In some cases, you may need surgery to repair a torn ligament, and the team at Kalmar Family Podiatry has the qualifications and experience to manage surgical cases.

If you’ve twisted your ankle or it’s painful and swollen, don’t take any chances; call Kalmar Family Podiatry today to book an appointment, or use the online tool.