Ankle Sprain Specialist
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Pritesh Patel, DPM
Board Qualified Podiatrist located in Boca Raton, FL
Ankle sprains are among the top athletic injuries during weight-bearing activity. If you roll your ankle, it’s important to have your foot evaluated by a podiatrist such as Pritesh Patel, DPM, at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates. First, he makes sure you don’t have a fracture and then helps you build back optimal strength in your ankles. Contact the Boca Raton, Florida, practice online or over the phone to schedule an evaluation.
Ankle Sprain Q & A
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments, or the flexible bands of tissue that connect bones, in the ankle. Your ligaments keep your ankle steady during side-to-side movement, and a sprain can make them unstable.
Ankle sprains are a common sports injury and are usually caused by one of the following:
- A fall
- A twist or blow to the ankle
- Running on uneven surface
You may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty walking with a sprained ankle.
Why should I see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain?
The pain and swelling associated with a sprain isn’t any different than a fracture, so it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment for each is important, but very different.
You should also see a podiatrist for ankle sprains to ensure optimal foot health. Untreated or repeated sprains can lead to ankle instability in which your ankle unpredictably gives out.
A podiatrist is the most trained and best equipped to treat ankle sprains. They have access to equipment and expert knowledge about treatment strategies that generalists may not, which can make a big difference in your recovery.
How are ankle sprains diagnosed?
During your evaluation, Dr. Patel asks about your symptoms, medical history, and the circumstances surrounding your injury. He also performs a physical evaluation of your ankle to check your range of motion, swelling, and other factors.
Dr. Patel may order X-rays to rule out a fracture or more severe injury. He uses the information from your exam and tests to make a diagnosis.
How are ankle sprains treated?
You can usually make a full recovery from an ankle sprain with conservative interventions such as:
- The RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Physical therapy: stretches and exercises to increase range-of-motion and promote healing
- Medication: over-the-counter or prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medication
Severe sprains may require surgery to repair the damaged ligaments. After surgery, you go through a rehabilitation process to promote the best outcome.
If you think you might have a sprained ankle, contact Dr. Patel online or over the phone as soon as you can to put a healthy spring in your step.
