Ankle Doctor in Lenox Hill, NY, for Sprained Ankles

Restore Mobility at Our Office

A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch and tear. Ankle sprains in Lenox Hill, NY, are common injuries that can occur at any age. They range from mild to severe, depending upon how much damage the ligaments endure.

Most sprains are minor injuries that heal with home remedies, such as rest and applying ice. However, if your ankle is swollen and painful to walk on — or if you are having trouble putting weight on your ankle at all, be sure to see our podiatrists.

Ankle Sprain Causes

Your ankle can twist and become sprained during many different activities, such as:

• Falling down
• Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
• Participating in sports that require cutting actions or rolling and twisting of the foot — such as trail running, basketball, tennis, football, and soccer
• During sports activities, someone else may step on your foot while you are running, causing your foot to twist or roll to the side

Ankle Sprain Symptoms

A sprained ankle is painful. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Instability of the ankle
• Tenderness to touch

Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains

Almost all ankle sprains can be treated with conservative options. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately.

A three-phase program guides treatment for all ankle sprains, from mild to severe:

Phase 1 includes resting, protecting the ankle, and reducing the swelling.

Phase 2 includes restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Phase 3 includes maintenance exercises and the gradual return to activities that do not require twisting or turning the ankle. Later exercises will include being able to do activities that require sharp, sudden turns (cutting activities)—such as tennis, basketball, or football. This three-phase treatment program may take just two weeks to complete for minor sprains or up to six to 12 weeks for more severe injuries.

For milder sprains, we may recommend:

• Don't walk on your ankle
• Rest the ankle at an elevated position above the level of your heart as often as possible during the first 48 hours
• Ice should be immediately applied to keep the swelling down. It can be used for 20-30 minutes, three or four times daily. Do not apply ice directly to your skin
• Compression dressings, bandages, or ace wraps will immobilize and support your injured ankle

Without proper treatment and rehabilitation methods, a more severe sprain can occur. This may weaken your ankle—making it more likely that you will injure it again. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term problems, including chronic ankle pain and arthritis. Schedule a consultation with our experienced podiatrists if you suspect you may have sprained your ankle.

Call Us Today for Expert Treatment for Ankle Sprains in Lenox Hill, NY