What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle is a damaged ligament within your inner or outer ankle. A sprain can happen in many ways, including tripping, falling, ankle buckling, and abnormal twisting.
The two general categories of sprained ankles are:
Inversion ankle sprain
An inversion ankle sprain affects the outermost (lateral) ligaments in your ankle, including the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). Inversion ankle sprains are the most common kind of ankle sprain. 80% of ankle sprains affect these ligaments.
Eversion ankle sprain
An eversion ankle sprain affects the deltoid ligaments inside your ankle. This distinctive form of ankle sprain frequently occurs at the same time as a fibula bone fracture.
Your ligament can stretch, partially tear, or completely tear in a sprained ankle injury. A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries requiring medical care.
What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?
The symptoms of a sprained ankle can vary significantly with the degree of ligament damage. You may experience:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bruising
- Inability to stand or walk
With a severe ankle sprain, you'll likely also hear a pop as your ligament tears in two.
Do I need sprained ankle treatment?
The mildest of sprained ankles, in which you're not in pain but have some mild discomfort, may improve without professional treatment. Still, it's crucial to stay off your ankle as much as possible for at least a few days to allow the ligament time to repair itself.
If you're in pain or have other worrisome sprained ankle symptoms, it's best to come into Rhode Island Foot Care right away. The team can diagnose your injury and then start treatment immediately.
Unfortunately, sprained ankles can be very serious if you don't get treatment. After a sprain that doesn't heal properly, you're far more vulnerable to new sprains and additional complications like ankle instability. Treating the injury early ensures that your ligament heals entirely and helps you avoid future damage.
How do you treat a sprained ankle?
Treatment varies widely, based on sprain severity and your symptoms. Some treatment options include:
- Custom bracing
- Custom orthotics
- Physiotherapy
- Regenerative medicine (amniotic fluid injections_
- Natural CBD cream for pain
- Fracture care, when needed
In some cases, you could need surgery for a severe ankle sprain. The experienced foot and ankle surgeons at Rhode Island Foot Care offer the latest advanced surgery options, including minimally invasive small-incision arthroscopic procedures, to repair damaged ligaments.
Are you suffering from sprained ankle pain? Get immediate help from Rhode Island Foot Care by calling the nearest office or scheduling online.
