Kansas City Institute of Podiatry – Ankle Sprain Specialist
Ankle sprains are the most common type of ankle injury, representing 30% of sports-related injuries and more than 23,000 annual doctor visits. Our doctors encourage you to have your sprained ankle evaluated at the Kansas City Institute of Podiatry to be sure the ligaments regain optimal strength, and you don’t develop long-term complications. To schedule an appointment for a sprained ankle, use online booking or call the office in Overland Park, Kansas.
Sprained ankles occur when you stretch or tear ligaments in your ankle. Twists, falls, or blows that force the ankle out of its normal position all cause sprains. They usually arise from an inward twist that damages ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Although not as common as an acute inward twist, ankle sprains can also develop gradually as small tears progressively worsen. These tears result from overuse stress as you repeatedly perform the same movement.
When you have a sprained ankle, you experience symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to bear weight
- Ankle instability
Escaping pain is a good reason to seek prompt medical treatment, but there are other potential medical concerns the doctors at Kansas City Institute of Podiatry should evaluate:
- Potential fracture: The symptoms of sprains and fractures are the same, so you may have a more serious injury.
- Foot injury: Foot injuries you may not notice due to ankle pain often accompany ankle sprains.
- Rehabilitation: You should start a supervised rehabilitation program quickly to ensure proper healing.
- Chronic instability: An untreated sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability.
When your ankle sprain doesn’t heal properly, the ligament progressively weakens. As a result, you may have recurring episodes of your ankle twisting or giving way, even when you’re standing still on flat ground. This ongoing problem is chronic ankle instability.
Chronic ankle instability typically develops when you don’t get proper treatment for an ankle sprain or when you continue using your ankle before the ligament has healed enough.
Your treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), which all reduce inflammation and pain.
Your doctor may temporarily immobilize your ankle with a brace or walking boot or give you crutches to keep weight off your ankle. Severe ankle sprains, especially if the ligament is torn, may require surgical intervention.
You begin rehabilitation as soon as possible, which may be as simple as at-home exercises or physical therapy, depending on the severity of your sprain.
If you develop pain, swelling, and bruising in your ankle, call Kansas City Institute of Podiatry or book an appointment online.
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