Did your ankle become swollen and painful after you twisted it or landed wrong after a jump? You might have a sprained ankle. Fortunately, your Stamford, CT, podiatrists, Dr. Marissa Girolamo, Dr. Rui DeMelo and Dr. Francisco Lago of Stamford Podiatry Group, offer treatments that will ease your pain and get you on your feet again.
What causes sprains?
A sprain affects the ligaments that connect the bones in your ankle joint. Any sudden movement that puts stress on the ankle can cause the ligaments to stretch or tear. Have you noticed that you seem to sprain your ankle easily? Prior sprains could have weakened or loosened the ligaments, making it much more likely that you'll experience a new injury if you twist your ankle walking on uneven ground or while playing sports.
How can I tell if I have a sprain?
Signs and symptoms of ankle sprains include:
- Swelling and Bruising: When When you sprain your ankle, your body attempts to repair the injury by increasing blood flow to your ankle. Although this healing response is helpful, it causes swelling and inflammation. You may also notice that the skin over your ankle is bruised.
- Stiffness: Swelling affects your ability to move your ankle easily.
- Pain: Ankle sprains can be very painful, particularly when you put any weight on the joint. Applying ice and using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, reduces pain and swelling.
- Trouble Walking: A sprained ankle may make it difficult to walk or stand.
When should I call the foot doctor?
You may need to visit the Stamford, CT, podiatry office about your ankle sprain if:
- You have severe pain
- You can't walk or put any weight on your ankle
- Your ankle sprain symptoms are the same or worse after a week or two
Your podiatrist can recommend treatments that will relieve your symptoms and help your ankle heal. He or she may recommend a walking boot or cast to reduce pressure on your ankle while it heals. Physical therapy can also be helpful. During therapy sessions, you'll strengthen the muscles that support your ankle and learn exercises that will increase flexibility and range of motion. Although surgery isn't necessary for most ankle sprains, it may be the best option if your ankle joint is unstable.
Worried about your ankle sprain? Call (203) 323-1171 to schedule an appointment with your podiatrists in Stamford, CT, Dr. Girolamo, Dr. DeMelo and Dr. Lago of Stamford Podiatry Group.