Ankle Sprains

Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages, braces or even a cast (in stage 4 severe ligament injury) also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments. Chance of surgery does increase if ankle sprains are not treated correctly.

  

To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercising, stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes. no flip flops or crocks  when running or exercising.

Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.

In everyday practice at CFFA I see many examples where patients go to ER right after the injury and get Xrays and if there is no fracture present, they are told that it is just a sprain but no ankle brace and other offloading device is given therefore directly putting patient at risk for not correctly healing the injury. This incorrect treatment can cause future problems, specifically lateral ankle instability that requires surgery if early treatment is not performed.

 I always recommend that patients have ultrasound to evaluate the degree of Anterior Talo-Fibular ligament injury to determine the correct treatment protocol for them. Correct diagnosis is very important.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC 101 6th Street N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881 Phone: 863-299-4551 http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com