Podiatrist-Recommended Treatment Options For A Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, typically due to twisting, turning, or rolling the ankle in an awkward direction. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who has twisted their ankle, it’s important to know how to properly treat it to avoid further damage and speed up recovery. Kansas City Podiatrist Joel Foster DPM explains how to properly treat a sprained ankle and recommends treatment options for a faster recovery.
Immediate treatment after an ankle sprain
Rest: After you sprain your ankle, it’s important to avoid putting weight on it to prevent further injury. Use crutches if needed, or stay off the injured ankle as much as possible.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression wrap around the ankle to reduce swelling. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as this could restrict blood flow.
Elevation: Elevate the injured ankle above the level of your heart as much as possible. This helps reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injured area.
Immobilize: Consider using an ankle brace or a splint for added protection and stability, especially in the early stages of healing. We offer a lace up ankle brace at our office that helps to prevent injuries and improve mobility.
How to Tell if Your Ankle is Sprained or Broken
It can be tough to tell if your ankle is sprained or broken, as both injuries cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Here are some quick ways to try to differentiate, however, an x-ray, CT, or MRI is usually needed to be sure of the diagnosis.
1. Pain
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Sprained Ankle: Pain is usually mild to moderate and focused around the ligaments.
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Broken Ankle: Pain is more severe and constant, worsening with movement or touch.
2. Swelling & Bruising
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Sprained Ankle: Swelling is moderate and local; bruising appears over time.
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Broken Ankle: Swelling is more severe and spreads quickly; bruising may be intense and widespread.
3. Deformity
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Sprained Ankle: No visible deformity; the ankle might look swollen but remains stable.
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Broken Ankle: Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the foot, especially with a displaced fracture.
4. Ability to Bear Weight
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Sprained Ankle: You may still be able to walk or put weight on it, though it's painful.
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Broken Ankle: Extremely painful to bear weight, often impossible to walk.
5. Numbness or Tingling
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Sprained Ankle: Numbness is rare and typically temporary due to swelling.
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Broken Ankle: Numbness or tingling could indicate nerve damage and requires immediate attention.
If you're unsure whether your ankle is sprained or broken, it's best to visit a podiatrist to get an X-ray or CT to confirm whether it's a sprain or a fracture, and get a recommended treatment plan.
You should see a podiatrist for your sprained ankle if:
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Severe pain or swelling doesn’t improve with rest, compression, immobalization, and elevation.
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Bruising or swelling is significant or you’re unable to bear weight on the injured foot.
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You suspect a fracture (such as if you heard a popping or cracking sound during the injury, or if the ankle appears deformed).
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If you experience numbness or tingling, or if the ankle feels unstable or weak over time.
Treatment options to speed up the healing process
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MLS laser treatment: The targeted beam of laser energy works by penetrating deep into the area and stimulates cellular activity, triggering the body’s natural biological and biochemical responses. This advanced therapy can accelerate the healing of sprained ankle ligaments by increasing blood flow, reducing swelling, and promoting tissue regeneration.
- Aqua therapy roll: Aquaroll therapy is another form of regenerative therapy that uses tiny glass beads to stimulate positive natural responses in the body that increases blood flow, reduces swelling, and decreases pain. This treatment is great for ankle sprains and other soft tissue-based sports injuries.
How to prevent future sprained ankles
Preventing future sprains involves strengthening and protecting your ankles. Here are some tips:
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Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes that provide proper foot support. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with inadequate ankle support, especially during physical activity.
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Warm up and stretch: Before engaging in sports or exercise, always take time to warm up your muscles and stretch your ankles to improve flexibility.
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Strengthening exercises: Regularly perform exercises that strengthen the muscles around the ankle.
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Consider ankle braces: If you’ve sprained your ankle before or are engaging in high-risk activities, wearing a brace can offer extra support. At our office, we offer both the Tayco and lace up brace, both worn by professional athletes. These braces are best for preventing injuries and improving mobility.
Whether you’ve suffered a sprained or broken ankle, it’s important to assess the severity of your injury as soon as possible. While sprains generally involve soft tissue damage and may improve with rest, fractures often require immediate medical attention, especially if there's deformity or an inability to bear weight. If you're unsure about the nature of your injury, it’s always best to consult with a podiatrist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and get you on the path to recovery faster.