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Ankle sprains are often believed incorrectly to be minor injuries. Many people think if you rest the ankle for 48 hours or so, it should be good as new. Others may even push through an ankle sprain, not realizing its severity. All these actions can be dangerous.
At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, with five locations throughout Arizona, we want you to know that an ankle sprain requires the proper treatment and recovery protocols. If you do not take an ankle sprain seriously and avoid seeking the necessary care, you could experience problems in the future.
Our providers — Payam Sarraf, DPM, Kate Kennedy, DPM, Katy Statler, DPM, Andrew Goodeill, DPM, Christopher Van Damme, DPM, Amelia Harris, DPM, and Sina Safar, DPM — are well-versed in determining the best needs for different types of ankle sprains. Make sure to reach out if you’re concerned you might’ve experienced this type of injury.
Why an ankle sprain needs to be examined
After an ankle sprain, immediately begin the RICE protocol — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In many cases, this is all that is required to treat a mild ankle sprain. In about two weeks, you should see improvement.
But that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a sprained ankle can be more severe, especially if you notice a loud popping sound when the injury occurs. And in other situations, inflammation, tenderness, and instability of the joint could be trying to tell you the situation is much worse.
As a precaution, we suggest you reach out to us to determine if your sprain is mild or if a more significant injury has occurred.
The proper treatments for an ankle sprain
There are several treatment options for an ankle sprain, and the right treatment depends on the severity of your injury. For example, a moderate sprain may require immobilization with a boot or cast. In very severe instances, surgery could be necessary.
At one of our five Arizona clinics, we can help you build a treatment plan that will allow you to recover quickly.
What happens if you don’t treat your ankle sprain?
People who don’t get the necessary treatment for an ankle sprain could be looking at many additional problems. For example, if you experience a sprain but don’t get the proper care, your ankle could become weak, making it likely to sprain again in the future.
Ankles that don’t heal properly from sprains or those that become sprained more than once can lead to additional complications. These include chronic pain, instability, and arthritis. To avoid these potential issues, it’s better to get your ankle checked out and begin an approved treatment.
Don’t ignore an ankle sprain
The issues caused by even a mild sprain can cause complications if you don’t seek treatment. To learn more, make an appointment at one of our Arizona locations. We’re ready to help you get better.
