Dealing With an Ankle Sprain

If you think you’ve sprained your ankle, you should visit a podiatrist or foot and ankle specialist near you for a diagnosis. The symptoms for of a severe ankle sprain and a fractured ankle are often very similar, and a foot doctor in Sugarland can determine whether your ankle is broken, or just badly sprained. Here are some helpful tips on how to deal with an ankle sprain before you visit your podiatrist.

At-Home Treatment

Even if you’ve made an appointment to see a foot specialist about your sprained ankle, you’ll still be waiting at home in discomfort until your appointment time. There are a few things that you can do at home to ease your pain and promote healing. Avoid walking or standing to allow your ankle time to rest. Lie down and elevate your leg so that your ankle is above the level of your heart to minimize swelling. You should apply ice to your ankle regularly, and take ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation. You should also apply a compression wrap or elastic bandage to your ankle to reduce swelling.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Your podiatrist or foot doctor will X-ray your ankle to ensure you haven’t broken or fractured any bones. He will prescribe you painkillers if the ibuprofen you’re taking isn’t effectively treating your pain. He may also suggest that you use crutches so that you avoid putting pressure on your ankle. If you do not follow your podiatrist’s treatment plan, you may develop ankle instability, which happens when your ankle ligaments do not heal correctly.

Surgical Treatment

If your ankle sprain is severe, you may have also torn ligaments or tendons in your ankle. Your podiatrist will examine you carefully to diagnose any serious problems that may require reconstructive ankle surgery. If you are an athlete who has a torn lateral ankle ligament, your podiatrist may recommend immediate surgery. In other instances of torn ligaments or tendons, a foot and ankle specialist will try non-surgical methods first.