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Ankle Sprains

ANKLE SPRAINS

In a given day in the United States, as many as 23,000 people need medical attention for an ankle sprain. If you’re one of the many who suffers from an ankle sprain injury, you can get the comprehensive treatment you need at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center in Carteret, New Jersey. Book your ankle sprain evaluation online or call the office to speak with a team member.

ANKLE SPRAINS FAQ

What causes ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can happen to athletes and nonathletes alike. This painful injury occurs when you overstretch or even tear the ligaments that support your ankle joint. You can suffer from an ankle sprain due to:

  • Walking or running on uneven or hilly surfaces
  • Rolling or twisting your ankle
  • Sporting activities or exercise
  • Slips and falls

Your risk of an ankle sprain is also high if you have flat feet or high arches. Plus, if you’ve had an ankle sprain in the past, your ankle may be unstable, which can further increase your risk of an ankle sprain.

Why do I need to see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain?

Since an ankle sprain can lead not only to chronic pain but also ongoing ankle instability issues, it’s important to visit with a skilled podiatrist at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center as soon as your injury occurs. You also need to see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain to:

  • Relieve pain
  • Decrease swelling
  • Prevent joint stiffness
  • Resolve tenderness and inflammation
  • Restore strength, balance, and flexibility

Your dedicated podiatrist can gather X-ray or ultrasound images right in the office, so they can often diagnose you on the spot.

How are ankle sprains treated?

After diagnosing the severity of your ankle sprain, your podiatrist at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center is likely going to immobilize your ankle joint to allow it to heal. This can involve wearing a cast or removable walking boot for several weeks.

To help with pain and inflammation, and to restore range of motion, your podiatrist may also recommend:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy after swelling subsides
  • Activity modifications
  • Custom orthotics
  • Crutches

If you’re an athlete or you’ve suffered from a severe ankle sprain, like a complete ligament tear, your podiatrist at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center could recommend surgery.

Ankle sprain surgery is needed to repair, graft, and tighten damaged ligaments, so you can return to all of your normal activities without limitations.

The podiatrists at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center recommend scheduling an ankle sprain evaluation as soon as your injury occurs. Book your exam today either online or over the phone.

Schedule your evaluation at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center today. Request an appointment, or call our office to speak with a team member.

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