Overstretching one of the ligaments in your ankle can result in a sprain. Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries you can face in your lifetime, and podiatry offices are no stranger to them. It doesn’t take much to sprain your ankle. Whether you roll your ankle during a workout or step wrong on uneven ground, accidents always happen. Most people use at-home treatments for their injuries, which can work in some mild cases.

However, plenty of complications can arise if your sprained ankle is more severe and you don’t seek treatment. Without proper rest and recovery, you can expect it to not heal well and create long-term issues as you age. Not only are you more susceptible to further injury and repeated sprained ankles, but you’ll likely have a limited range of motion and ongoing pain.

Diagnosing a Sprained Ankle

How can you tell if you’ve sprained your ankle? For a diagnosis, it’s best to seek out the help of a professional. Contact your podiatrist if your ankle doesn’t feel better after 2-3 days of rest – they can help heal your injury. But if you want to have a better understanding of what you could be dealing with, look for these signs and symptoms:

Swelling
Bruising
Pain
Tenderness
Joint instability
Loss of range of motion
Difficulty putting weight on your ankle

Recovery From Your Injury

Once you’ve gone to your podiatrist for help, you’ll likely be working with them to heal your sprain for up to a few months, depending on the severity of your injury. They’ll give you an x-ray to rule out further damage and injury to your foot, bones, and tendons.

Your foot doctor will determine a specific treatment plan depending on your injury. This usually involves applying the RICE regime (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), using bandages or splints, and certain foot and ankle exercises after you’ve healed. For more severe cases, surgery or a physical therapist may be recommended.

If you suspect you have an ankle sprain, call us ASAP! At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing results. We are conveniently located in Woodland Park and welcome our neighbors in Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. To schedule an appointment, contact his office at 973-256-0002.