Are You Suffering From an Ankle Sprain? We Can Help!

There is a good chance that everyone has experienced an ankle sprain at some point in their lives. The podiatrists at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialist, located in Williamsburg, VA, and Hampton, VA, Dr. Sara Bouraee and Dr. Jon Houseworth, know the signs of an ankle sprain and how best to treat it.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when you tear a ligament in your ankle. You can sprain your ankle alone, or you may sprain your ankle in the setting of an ankle fracture.

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

Often, a patient with an ankle sprain will complain that they twisted their ankle. The injury causes the foot to roll inward and underneath the ankle and leg, leading to the twisting motion complaint.

Other symptoms of an ankle sprain include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Inability to bear weight on the ankle, if severe

Causes of an Ankle Sprain

The twisting injury described above also knows as an inversion injury, is a common cause and often occurs in sports. Other risky activities and traits that lead to ankle sprains include:

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Jumping
  • High-arched feet
  • History of severe sprain or fracture, ankle instability

How Do You Diagnose an Ankle Sprain?

Dr. Bouraee and Dr. Houseworth of Williamsburg, VA, and Hampton, VA, are experienced professionals and can quickly diagnose an ankle sprain with an in-office examination. In addition, they may order an ankle X-ray to provide a more definitive diagnosis while also ruling out an ankle fracture. If you think you experienced an ankle sprain, it is best to have it checked by a podiatrist to ensure other injuries, such as a broken tendon or broken bone, did not also occur at the time of the sprain.

How Do You Treat an Ankle Sprain?

For the most part, surgery is not required for ankle sprains. Even a severe sprain can avoid surgical intervention when treated appropriately. Sprains are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and severity is usually determined by the patient's ability to bear weight.

For a mild sprain, you can treat it by:

  • Resting your ankle and avoid walking on it until you can do so without discomfort.
  • Applying ice to the ankle for 20 minutes and then off 20 minutes to keep the swelling down.
  • Applying a compressive bandage to help immobilize and support the injury.
  • Elevating the affected ankle above your heart level until the swelling goes down.

For a moderate and severe ankle sprain, you will do the above and allow more time for healing, and since you are at a greater risk of instability for a severe sprain, you may need a tall walking boot or cast for several weeks. Physical therapy and home exercises are also recommended in the rehabilitation of a sprained ankle.

If you suspect you have a sprained ankle, it is best to seek treatment immediately. Call the podiatrists at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialist, Dr. Bouraee and Dr. Houseworth, at their office in Williamsburg, VA, or Hampton, VA, for your ankle sprain consultation today. For an appointment at the Williamsburg, VA, call (757) 220-331 and contact the Hampton, VA office at (757) 224-7605.

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Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists

Monday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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