Ankle Sprain Specialist
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Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center
Podiatrist located in Beltsville, MD
More than two million Americans suffer an ankle sprain each year. Most sprains are mild and respond to ice and rest, but if your symptoms are severe or interfere with your mobility, it’s essential to seek professional help. At Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center, experienced podiatrist David Deiboldt, DPM, uses conservative, minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain caused by ankle sprains. To make an appointment at the office located in Beltsville, Maryland, call the office or click the online booking feature today.
Ankle Sprain Q & A
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when you overextend the ligaments –– tough bands of fibrous tissue –– that surround your ankle joint. This causes inflammation, resulting in stiffness, bruising, and pain.
Ankle sprains affect people of all ages and races, but they’re prevalent in athletes and other active individuals. If you roll or twist your ankle and it swells up or affects your ability to do routine tasks, contact Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center immediately.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
Symptoms of an ankle sprain include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Difficulty putting weight on the affected ankle
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Restricted range of motion
When the injury occurs, you might also hear a popping or snapping sound.
When should I visit a podiatrist about an ankle sprain?
Make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center if you twist your ankle while working or playing sports and experience pain or mobility issues. That’s especially true if there’s visible swelling or bruising. Both of these symptoms indicate a more serious underlying issue, like a fracture or a dislocated joint.
Who is at risk of experiencing an ankle sprain?
Anyone can experience an ankle sprain, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Playing sports
- Walking or running on uneven surfaces
- Suffering a prior ankle injury
- Being in poor physical condition
You’re also more likely to experience a sprained ankle if you don’t wear comfortable supportive shoes. High heels and other similar types of footwear make you more susceptible to injury.
How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?
To diagnose an ankle sprain, your provider at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and when you first noticed it.
Next, they have you remove your shoes and socks and examine your ankle, foot, and lower leg. Your provider gently moves your ankle from side to side, testing its range of motion and mobility. They also gently press on it to pinpoint areas of sensitivity or warmth.
Afterward, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures can assess your hard and soft tissues and rule out a fracture or determine the extent of the ligament damage.
How is an ankle sprain treated?
Treatment of an ankle sprain depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Usually, the providers at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center recommend conservative, minimally invasive treatments, including:
- Rest
- Ice and heat therapy
- Compression
- Elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Amniofix injections
- Corticosteroid injections
- Laser therapy
If these treatments don’t provide long-term relief, you might benefit from orthopedic surgery. Surgery can repair a ligament that won’t heal or reconstruct a ruptured ligament.
To explore the various treatment options for an ankle sprain, make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
