Mission Medical Plaza (949) 276-8900
26800 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste. 320
Mission Viejo, California 92691
COMMON CONDITIONS
Ankle Sprains
WHAT ARE ANKLE SPRAINS?
A sudden sideways motion, a twist, or a misstep. When your foot lands off balance, muscles may give way, allowing the ankle joint to move too far. If ligaments connecting the foot and ankle bones overstretch or tear, a sprain is the result. These sudden injuries cause pain both at the time they occur and throughout the healing process. Depending on the sprain, swelling and bruising may extend from your ankle into your foot. With proper care, however, sprains can heal correctly. And, in many cases, you can reduce the risk of reinjury.
Left untreated, sprains may not heal properly, making reinjury more likely.
HOW ARE ANKLE SPRAINS TREATED?
Depending on your injury, treatment may range from pain control to immobilization of the joint. If the sprain is severe ori f a bone is damaged, surgery may be needed.
Pain Control
For a mild to moderate sprain, a few days of home care will help speed up healing. Remember to use RICE (which stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate) to reduce pain and swelling. Rest the sprained ankle. Do not stand on it for at least a day or two.Ice the sprain as often as posible. Apply ice to injury for 20 minutes. Remove the cold pack and wait another 20 minutes. Then ice again. Protect your skin by placing a bandage or thin towel between the ice and your body. Compress (wrap) the swollen ankle with an elastic bandage. Elevate the sprained ankle above your heart level.
Immobilize Severe Sprains
If damage or pain is severe, your doctor may tape, splint, or cast the sprain. Once immobilize, the torn tissues can rest and heal in the proper position. You may need to use crutches temporarily if your foot cannot support weight. If Surgery Is Needed
In some cases, a sprain may completely tear a ligament or pull it away from the bone. This type of injury may require surgery. After surgery, your foot will be placed in a cast to ensure proper healing.
