Skip to main content

Sprained Ankle

Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers

Podiatrists, Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Arlington, TX & Mansfield, TX

It only takes a mild ankle sprain to cause serious pain and swelling, which makes it hard to determine the severity of your injury. Since your ankle bears your entire body weight, and a sprain that doesn’t heal properly can lead to recurring sprains, it’s important to consult the doctors at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers for a thorough evaluation of a sprained ankle. If you’re not sure whether your ankle needs medical care, call one of the two locations in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas. The team can triage your symptoms and schedule an appointment when needed.

Sprained Ankle Q & A

What causes a sprained ankle?

Ankle sprains occur when one or more of the supporting ligaments are stretched or torn. You can develop a sprain by twisting your ankle on uneven ground, from a fall, or when your ankle rolls as you land on your foot.

Although you can easily sprain your ankle while taking a leisurely walk, sprains are commonly associated with sports activities. You’re most likely to suffer an ankle injury when you participate in activities that require quick, cutting actions like basketball, tennis, football, and soccer.

What symptoms develop due to a sprained ankle?

Sprained ankles cause the same symptoms as an ankle fracture:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Ankle instability
  • Inability to walk or put weight on the ankle

When you suspect you have a sprained ankle, schedule an examination as soon as possible at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers. It’s important to get prompt treatment that helps your ankle heal and prevents complications like chronic ankle instability.

What is chronic ankle instability?

Ligaments have the important job of stabilizing the ankle joint. If you keep using your sprained ankle, the sprain can’t heal properly, and it progressively weakens. As a result, it’s easy to suffer recurring sprains, which is a condition called chronic ankle instability.

How is my sprained ankle treated?

Your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers evaluates the severity of your sprain and checks for other foot injuries that commonly occur together with an ankle sprain. After grading the extent of ligament damage, your treatment plan begins with the most conservative therapies.

Mild sprains respond well to RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Your doctor may use a brace or walking boot to immobilize your ankle and give the ligament time to heal. Although a torn ligament may also heal with conservative treatment and immobilization, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair a severe tear.

As your sprain heals, your doctor develops a plan for a gradual return to your normal activities and recommends exercises and physical therapy to strengthen your ankle and restore its range of motion.

When ankle pain and swelling persist or worsen, schedule an appointment online or call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers.