Ankle Sprains Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

What is a Sprained Ankle?

Ligaments are tissues that help connect bones, joints, and organs and hold them in place. A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle-supporting ligaments stretch beyond their limits and tear, leading to pain and discomfort.

What is a High Ankle Sprain?

A high sprain involves the ligaments that connect the two bones of the lower leg, just above the ankle. This type of sprain is less common but often more severe and can take longer to heal than a typical sprain.

What Does a Sprained Ankle Look Like?

A sprained ankle typically looks swollen and bruised. The area around the ankle may be visibly puffy, and the skin can appear discolored due to bruising. In severe cases, the ankle might appear deformed if there is significant ligament damage.

Sprained Ankle Symptoms

Signs include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness to the touch
• Pain, especially when bearing weight
• Reduced range of motion
• Instability in the ankle

When to Worry about Sprained Ankles?

You need to seek medical attention if:

• Your 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 Ankle Sprain: This is a mild sprain. Your ligaments are slightly stretched and have tiny tears. Your ankle may feel tender and slightly swollen.
• Grade 2 Ankle Sprain: This is a moderate sprain. The ligaments are partially torn. The ankle will have moderate tenderness, noticeable swelling, and some bruising.
• Grade 3 Ankle Sprain: This is a severe sprain. The ligament is completely torn. The ankle will show significant swelling, be very tender and unstable, and cause severe pain.

Ligament damage and its severity differentiate between these grades. Grade 1 is the least severe, with minor stretching; Grade 2 involves partial tearing; and Grade 3 is the most severe, with a complete tear of the ligament.

How to Treat a Sprained Ankle?

Let’s see how to treat a sprained ankle. At the Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we perform the followings:

1. We advise patients to limit their activities and rest to lessen pain or discomfort.
2. Our team recommends applying ice packs to the injured area. The application must be 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Ice packs reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
3. We use elastic bandages or wraps to compress the ankle, which helps reduce swelling and provides support.
4. We tell patients to keep the injured ankle elevated above heart level to minimize swelling and promote faster healing.
5. Depending on the stage, we might recommend sprained ankle medication over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
6. 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.
7. If you need extra protection, especially during physical activities, we provide ankle guards to offer enhanced support and stability.
8. Our certified physical therapists design personalized exercise programs to restore movement, strength, and stability.