We have all done it before. We are running, playing sports, or walking, and you twist your ankle. It could be a minor twinge, or a serious sprain that leaves you unable to walk. While you wait to see an experienced foot care specialist like Dr. Russell Samofal of Podiatry Center of New Jersey, there are ways to care for your ankle sprain.
What exactly is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in your ankle become overstretched or torn due to excessive force, and usually occurs on the outside of your ankle. Sometimes a sprain can occur in conjunction with a fracture.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, and bruising of the area, which may result in the inability to bear weight.
Treatment
Even in the most severe cases, surgery is most likely unnecessary, unless there is cartilage damage. The basics of sprained ankle care are rest, icing for 20 minutes at a time every few hours, using compression bandages, and keeping the foot elevated. These steps are especially important in the first 48 to 72 hours of the injury. For those unable to bear weight, a walking boot may be prescribed.
Prevention
In order to prevent this common injury, it is important to wear proper shoes and ankle braces especially during activities that require a lot of jumping or running. Physical therapy can also help with prevention by strengthening the outer ankle muscles.
It’s easy for people to ignore ankle sprains because of how common it is, but having a skilled podiatrist diagnose and treat your injury can make an enormous difference in your recovery. Dr. Samofal at Podiatry Center of New Jersey has seen thousands of patients in the Wayne, NJ area for all types of injuries, including sprains, fractures, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. A board-certified podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, Dr. Samofal is adept at treating even the most severe problems and has state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the best results. Contact us for questions, request an appointment, or call us at (973) 925-4111!
