Keeping your ankles strong is important to your ability to stay mobile. If you have ever sprained your ankle, you already know how it can impact your life. Our foot and ankle specialists can help you recover from an ankle sprain. Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas, at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA, provide a wide range of podiatry services, including treatment of a sprained ankle.
What You Need to Know about an Ankle Sprain
You don’t have to be an athlete to experience an ankle sprain. Even stepping off a curb incorrectly can lead to stretched ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Walking or running on uneven ground can cause an ankle sprain too, especially if you haven’t stretched properly before becoming active. Aging has an effect on your ankles too, making them inflexible and stiff.
It's tempting to just wait and see if your sprained ankle heals on its own. Unfortunately, if there are tears in ligaments or tendons, it can lead to improper healing and permanent ankle instability.
A much better option is to visit your foot and ankle specialist. Your doctor will thoroughly examine your ankle and may order imaging studies including X-rays, and an MRI, to determine the level of structural damage to your ankle. Treatment options your foot and ankle specialist may recommend include:
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling in your ankle
- Physical therapy and stretching to increase ankle range of motion and flexibility
- Steroid medications to reduce ankle pain and swelling
- Walking casts or ankle braces for added support to help you stay mobile
Surgery may be indicated if you have torn tendons and ligaments, or broken bones in your ankle. Your foot and ankle specialist can discuss this option with you.
Want to Know More?
To find out more about the causes and treatment options for an ankle sprain, call Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas, at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA. You can reach them in the office by calling (757) 220-3311, so call today. Call (757) 220-3311 to reach the Williamsburg, VA, office and (757) 224-7605 for Hampton, VA.