What is an ankle sprain?
Your ankle joint is bound together by multiple connective tissues, including ligaments. When you overstretch these ligaments by rolling or twisting your ankle, tiny tears can develop, or even a full ligament rupture.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common types of sports injuries. You can sprain your ankle by landing incorrectly after a jump or by running or training on an uneven surface. It’s also possible to twist abnormally if someone lands on your foot during a sporting event.
Athletes aren’t the only ones who suffer from ankle sprains though. You can easily overstretch or tear your ankle ligaments by missing a step on a flight of stairs, or by tripping and falling down.
Do I need to see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain?
Yes! Podiatrists, like Dr. Rosenblum, have extensive training and expertise with lower extremity ailments, so you can feel confident that you’re getting a thorough diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Dr. Rosenblum encourages you to come into Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic right away if you rolled or twisted your ankle and are experiencing:
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Instability
- Swelling
You should also book an ankle sprain evaluation if your pain is so severe, you find it unbearable to put weight on your ankle.
Which ankle sprain treatment do I need?
Dr. Rosenblum can conduct any essential imaging, like an X-ray or ultrasound, right in the office, so he can often determine the severity of your ankle sprain on the spot. Depending on the outcome of your foot and ankle exam, your treatment plan may involve:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Balance and flexibility training
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Casting or splinting
- Physical therapy
If you have a severe ankle sprain or struggle with chronic instability from an ankle sprain, Dr. Rosenblum could suggest surgery to repair and rebuild damaged connective tissues.
No matter which treatment is right for you though, Dr. Rosenblum cares for you throughout every step of the way.
Schedule your ankle-sprain evaluation at Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic by clicking on the online scheduler. You can also call the office to book a visit.
