Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are a very common everyday occurrence.  It has been estimated that everyone will experience an ankle sprain at least once in their life. Active persons, athletes, and those who work on their feet have a higher chance of experiencing an ankle sprain. Because our medical specialty is the foot and ankle, we are the leading experts for diagnosing and treating ankle sprains. 

The mechanism for an ankle sprain is an unnatural twisting of the foot or ankle causing one of the ligaments to give way, stretch, or tear. If the injury is severe enough, part of the bone may fracture.  Swelling usually occurs to immobilize the area and prevent further injury.

Initial treatment includes ice, elevation, anti-inflammatories, compression (ace bandage), and rest. More serious injuries may require immobilization with a soft cast, fiberglass cast, walking boot, or surgery to repair the damaged ligaments or fractures.

If not treated properly, ankle sprains may result in chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteochondritis, instability, looseness of the ankle joint, weakness, tendinosis, general aches and pains, and other problems. Chronic ankle pain persists for many months after the initial injury. Signs and symptoms include instability, chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Our office will be able to diagnose the cause of the chronic pain and recommend the best treatment.

Instability 

The ankle joint is the main area of instability in the lower leg. This unsteadiness results from a laxity of tendons, after an injury, or trauma to the ankle area. Ankle sprains are the most common cause of instability due to the stretching of the tendons and ligaments around the ankle joint. Once the tendons and ligaments area injured, they are generally loose and need to be strengthened again. Physical Therapy works well to strengthen the tendons and ligaments as well as provide a good rehab program. Orthotics work well to eliminate the causes of instability between the leg and foot. Sometimes surgery is necessary to realign the tendons and ligaments that are damaged from chronic tears or after a severe injury.