Spraining an ankle is common yet quite frustrating. It affects everyone from athletes to children playing in the backyard. Understanding treatments for sprained ankles can make a huge difference in your recovery. You don’t need to search for “ankle sprains treatment Phoenix, Arizona” anymore; we are here to help.
Ankle Sprains Treatment in Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, AZ
What Is a Sprained Ankle?
Ligaments are tissues that help connect bones, joints, and organs and hold them in place. A sprained ankle in Phoenix, Arizona occurs when the ankle-supporting ligaments stretch beyond their limits and lead to pain and discomfort.
Sprained Ankle Symptoms
Signs include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness to the touch
- Pain, especially when bearing weight
- Reduced range of motion
- Instability in the ankle
Ankle Sprains Treatment in Phoenix
Let’s see ankle sprains treatment. At the Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we perform the following:
- We advise patients to limit their activities and rest to lessen pain or discomfort.
- Our team recommends applying ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
- We use elastic bandages or wraps to compress the ankle, which helps reduce swelling and provides support.
- We tell patients to keep the injured ankle elevated above heart level to minimize swelling and promote faster healing.
- Depending on the stage, we might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- To provide additional support and stability, we fit patients with ankle braces for sprains. These braces protect the ankle during recovery and prevent further injury.
- If you need extra protection, especially during physical activities, we provide ankle guards to offer enhanced support and stability.
- Our certified physical therapists design personalized exercise programs to restore movement, strength, and stability.
When Is It Time to Seek Care From an Expert?
You need ankle sprains treatment if:
- Your heel pain is severe, and you cannot walk or bear weight on the affected ankle.
- You have significant swelling and bruising.
- Your foot or ankle feels numb or tingling.
- The ankle looks deformed or out of place.
- You suspect a high sprain or a fracture.
Ankle Sprain Grades
Sprains are classified into three grades:
- Grade 1 is a mild sprain. Your ligaments are slightly stretched and have tiny tears. Your ankle may feel tender and slightly swollen.
- Grade 2 is a moderate sprain. The ligaments are partially torn. The ankle will have moderate tenderness, noticeable swelling, and some bruising.
- Grade 3 is a severe sprain. The ligament is completely torn. The ankle will show significant swelling and cause severe pain.
How to Diagnose a Sprained Ankle?
To diagnose a sprained ankle, our foot doctors will usually:
- Ask how the injury happened. They’ll want to know if you twisted it, fell, or took a bad step.
- Check your ankle for swelling, bruising, or tenderness.
- Gently move your foot to see how much it hurts and how well it moves.
- In some cases, they might order an X-ray to rule out a broken bone.
- If they think it’s a severe sprain, they might do an MRI to check for ligament damage.
Getting the right diagnosis means you’ll get the right ankle sprain treatment, Gilbert. Whether it’s rest, ice, a brace, or physical therapy, knowing exactly what’s wrong helps you heal faster.
Sprained Ankle Self-Care
Proper care for a sprained ankle at home helps ankle sprains treatment. Here’s how you do it:
- Avoid walking or standing; use crutches if needed.
- Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours, especially in the first. Use an elastic bandage, snug but not too tight.
- Keep the ankle raised above heart level as much as possible.
- Take painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Ankle Sprains Treatments Near Me in Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Arizona
If you’re dealing with a sprain, the Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers can help. We have locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert. Instead of Googling “ankle sprains treatment near me,” Visit our website at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers to schedule an appointment today!
FAQs About Ankle Sprains Treatment in Phoenix
How do I know if my sprain is serious?
Seek medical attention if you cannot walk, have significant swelling, or suspect a high sprain.
How do I know if my ankle is sprained or broken?
If it’s swollen, bruised, or hard to walk on, it could be a sprain or break. We offer expert ankle sprains treatment to help you heal fast.
What happens if I don’t treat a sprained ankle?
It could stay weak or sprain again easily. That’s why we help people in Phoenix strengthen their ankles and prevent future injuries.
How to speed up sprain recovery?
Rest, ice, compression, elevation, and follow your doctor’s advice, including physical therapy exercises.
How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Stay Swollen?
Sprained ankle swelling duration varies by the severity of the sprain.
Can a sprained ankle heal without a doctor?
Mild sprains might, but many don’t heal right without help. We treat all kinds of sprains in Arizona so you can move safely again.
How to Heal a Sprained Ankle Overnight?
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can reduce swelling and pain significantly.
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