Ankle Sprains – More than 25,000 people sprain their ankles every day, according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society.

 There are four key reasons why an ankle sprain should be promptly evaluated and treated:
• An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition marked by persistent discomfort and a “giving way” of the ankle. You may also develop weakness in the leg.
• You may have suffered a more severe ankle injury along with the sprain. This might include a serious bone fracture that could lead to troubling complications if left untreated.
• An ankle sprain may be accompanied by a foot injury that causes discomfort but has gone unnoticed thus far.
• Rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If rehabilitation is delayed, the injury may be less likely to heal properly.
Non-Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation
When you have an ankle sprain, rehabilitation is crucial as the recovery period is cut in half. The following are treatment options:
• Immobilization. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may require a short-leg cast, a walking boot, or a brace to keep your ankle from moving. You may also need crutches.
• Early Physical Therapy. You may require a rehabilitation program as soon as possible to promote healing and increase your range of motion for a faster recovery. Fashioned by all NBA, NFL, and MLB protocols this includes: Ultrasound Heat, Massage, Electrical Stimulation, Strapping, and prescribed exercises (Bosu Ball, Balance Board, Theraband).
• Medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, or topicals like Flexall 454 maximum strength, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, prescription pain medications are needed.
• Icing. You may be advised to ice your injury several times a day until the pain and swelling resolves. Place a Zip-Lock bag full of ice cubes, wrapped in a thin towel against the injured area.
• Compression Wraps. To prevent further swelling, you may need to keep your ankle wrapped in an elastic bandage or stocking.
• Custom Molded Orthotics. These are custom insoles that improve the alignment between your feet & legs which in turn reduces stress on your feet, ankles, legs, hips, & back. They are also a performance enhancer which allow you to move quicker and faster (Most NBA/NFL/MLB players wear them).
A more serious ankle sprain may require surgery to repair and tighten the torn ligaments.
The key here is to get an examination right away as I have seen too many times a patient thinking it’s no big deal as they can walk on their injured limb only to reveal to them that in fact they do have a fracture and if they didn’t seek immediate attention it could have possibly lead to arthtritic conditions in the future causing serious debilitation.
Why live with pain if you don’t have to?
For more information, please call Valencia Foot and Ankle Center at 661-288-2321 and visit www.curefeet.com.