Sprained Ankle Treatment in Edina and Burnsville, MN
Restore Your Ankle Mobility
Sprained Ankle Q&A
What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle damages your ligaments — tough connective tissue that attaches the bones in your joints. Ankle sprains usually affect the ligaments on the outside of the joint. As your ankle bends or twists, it stretches the ligaments too far. A bad sprain can tear the ligament or separate it from the bone. This can cause severe ankle pain and symptoms like:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Reddened skin
- Warmth
- Bruising
- Loss of function
- Tenderness
- Weakness
- Instability
Repeated ankle ligament injuries can cause chronic (long-term) joint instability.
How would I get a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle results from twisting or bending the joint too far. Risk factors for ankle sprains include:
- Walking on uneven surfaces
- Ill-fitting or unsupportive footwear
- Poor jumping technique
- Tripping
- Playing contact sports
- Previous ankle injuries
- Lack of physical fitness
You can lower your chances of a sprained ankle by exercising regularly (without overtraining) and warming up properly before physical activity. Exercises that strengthen the ankle ligaments further reduce your risk of injury.
How is a sprained ankle treated?
Treating a sprained ankle usually begins with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Keep your weight off the ankle, use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and apply a bandage or wrap. When seated, raise the leg above your heart to stop the ankle swelling.
If the symptoms don’t improve within a few days or your sprained ankle is very painful, visit Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics for expert care. Your doctor examines the ankle and orders X-rays or other imaging studies to see the extent of the damage. Sprained ankle symptoms are similar to those of a fracture, so it’s necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Having assessed your injury, your Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics doctor creates a personalized treatment plan for you. Your plan will contain a combination of treatments that can include:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Bracing
- Splinting
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Laser therapy
- Custom-fitted orthotics (supportive shoe inserts)
- Steroid injections
Most sprained ankles respond well to these treatments. If the damage is severe or you develop ankle instability, you might require surgery.
Surgery for a sprained ankle can involve imbrication (overlapping the injured ligaments) or total reconstruction. Your surgeon uses sections of tendon (tissue grafts) from your ankle to reattach the ligament to the bone.
