Ankle Sprain

Handling Sprained Ankles

Dr. Jacob Ransom, a highly experienced and board-certified podiatry doctor/surgeon of New Braunfels Podiatry Associates in New Braunfels, TX, can help you with the proper care to treat an ankle sprain.

What Is A Sprain?

A sprain differs from a strain, though sometimes it's hard to tell them apart. A strain involves a pulled muscle or tendon that is strained or torn. A sprain happens when you injure a ligament by overexerting and pulling the ligament.

There are different grades of your sprained muscle, as listed below.

• Grade 1 - Mild Sprain - You may have caused a small tear or stretch in your ligament. You will feel soreness and swelling and may be tender to the touch.
• Grade 2 - Moderate Sprain - You will have at least a partial tear. Swelling will be present, and your ankle will be hot and painful to the touch.
• Grade 3 - Severe Sprain - This grade shows a complete tear with moderate to severe swelling and difficulty moving. 

According to New Braunfels Podiatry Associates located in New Braunfels, TX, ankle sprain symptoms include,

• Difficulty with walking or weight-bearing
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness 

These symptoms can be more severe with each increasing grade level of your sprain.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Our doctors can thoroughly examine your affected ankle, including a possible X-ray to confirm damage. It's important to follow care instructions for your ankle's recovery. As with any ankle injury, the standard care practice would be the RICE method.

• Rest - Limit your activity with rest.
• Ice - Using ice frequently for short periods throughout the day will decrease swelling.
• Compression—Using an ankle wrap for compression will support and stabilize your ankle so that you can carry your weight short distances.
• Elevation - Allow rest periods during your day by elevating your ankle above the level of your heart several times a day for at least 30 minutes, reducing swelling and pain. 

Recently, another letter (approach) was added to the RICE method so it would become PRICE.

• Protection for your foot is a must if you need to be on your foot to work.

Our doctor may prescribe a compression wrap, ankle brace, or a cast-walking boot to ease the damage to your foot. Depending on the grade of the sprain, sprains can last anywhere from two days to two weeks.

Walking depends on what your doctor says about the severity of your sprain. Call Dr. Ransom at 830-625-1642 of New Braunfels Podiatry Associates, located in New Braunfels, TX, to schedule your ankle sprain consultation. If you also have other foot or ankle problems, we can help you.