Ankle Sprains
We are often sent patients from clinics around Alaska to treat ankle sprains and injuries. Our specialist approach always begins with eduction of options and non-surgical treatments.
DPM, FACFAS
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports-related injuries. An ankle sprain happens when one or more of the ligaments surrounding and supporting the ankle joint become injured or torn.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle sprains include but are not limited to:
- Pain when bearing weight on the foot
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Feelings of instability or giving way of the ankle
Following such an injury, the ankle may swell or look bruised. Depending upon the severity of the injury, the patient may or may not be able to bear weight on the injured ankle. Following an ankle sprain injury, the ankle may become structurally unstable (mechanical instability) or it may simply feel unstable without actual structural fault (functional instability). Either of these scenarios can result in long-term problems for the patient, placing the patient at-risk for recurrent ankle sprains, joint stiffness, muscle or tendon weakness, and even post-traumatic arthritis or fracture.
What are the causes of Ankle Sprains?
There are many causes of sprained ankles, some including:
- A fall causing your ankle to twist
- Awkwardly landing on your foot/ankle after a jump
- Tripping when walking or exercising on uneven surfaces
- Hypermobile joints
Treatment Options
It is important that proper intervention and treatment of an ankle sprain be initiated as early as possible following the injury to reduce the risk for long-term negative outcomes. Often, conservative treatment (non-surgical) is all that is needed to return the patient to full activity. However, in some cases—particularly in competitive athletes or patients with significant injury—surgical management may be necessary to stabilize the ankle, repair or tighten the ligaments and soft tissue structures around the ankle joint, and quickly get the patient back to action.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaufman Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic to determine if you have an ankle sprain and determine the best treatment plan to manage your ankle sprain.
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No Referral Needed
