Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care
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Ankle Sprains

Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Wound Care Specialist located in Watauga, TX

Ankle Sprains
Ankle Sprains services offered in Watauga, TX

Twisting, tearing, or overstretching one or more of the ligaments in your ankle can lead to an ankle sprain. If you experience an ankle injury, expert podiatrist Daniel Cairns, DPM, at Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care, offers pain-relieving treatments to help you recover and fully heal from your sprain. Call the office in Watauga, Texas, or schedule an appointment online today.  

Ankle Sprains Q & A

What are ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains are injuries to your connective ligaments. While the ligaments in your ankle are durable and strongly bind the bones in your ankle joint together, they can still be vulnerable if you push them beyond their limits. The ligaments stretch and bounce back into place, but certain movements that cause you to twist or roll your ankle can lead to an injury. 

You may develop an ankle sprain if you:

  • Miss a step on a flight of stairs
  • Slip and fall down
  • Experience an injury after someone lands on your foot

Ankle sprains are especially common sports injuries because of the excessive strain you place on the joints while pushing yourself in fitness activities. This type of injury is also more likely to occur if you walk or run on uneven surfaces or wear unsupportive shoes. 

How do I know if I sprained my ankle?

Patients can often tell if they sprained their ankle because of the symptoms they experience. Ankle sprains commonly lead to:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Bruising
  • Ankle weakness
  • Instability
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot

Ankle sprains have similar symptoms to fractured bones, so it’s important to come into Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care to get foot X-rays or ultrasounds, so Dr. Cairns can diagnose your injury properly and get you started on the proper treatment plan. 

What is the treatment for ankle sprains?

Your ankle sprain treatment plan depends on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Cairns may recommend treatments such as:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Stabilization with a cast, brace, or splint
  • Physical therapy

Dr. Cairns can refer you to a physical therapist to restore your flexibility, strength, balance, and range of motion in your ankle. 

If you have serious ankle instability or a complete ligament tear, he may suggest surgery, but only as a last resort. Dr. Cairns can perform a minimally invasive procedure to treat your injury and restore your normal ankle function. 

To learn the best way to recover from ankle sprains, call Toe-Tal Foot & Ankle Care or schedule an appointment online today.