Ankle sprains are an unfortunate part of life – and they always seem to happen at the most inopportune time. Whether you were trail running, turning your ankle, or simply stepping off the curb wrong, a sprained ankle isn't fun.
Although a mild sprain may not seem like a big deal, it's more critical than you think. If sprains don't heal correctly, no matter how mild or severe, it opens you up to more significant problems, including chronic ankle instability.
Whenever you think you may have a sprained ankle, seeking treatment is vital. At Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, Dr. Marque A. Allen and his team offer expert diagnostic tools and treatment for ankle sprains and other foot and ankle injuries.
A sprain happens when a ligament stretches beyond its standard capabilities. Ligaments are strong and fibrous bands connecting the bones in any joint. They allow the joint to move and function properly.
Several ligaments hold the ankle joint together, including the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments and the calcaneofibular ligament. These ligaments are on the outer aspect of the ankle joint, where most sprains occur.
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of those ligaments either stretches too far or tears, causing a variety of symptoms, which may include:
The symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the sprain and the number of ligaments involved. Minor ankle sprains often heal independently with rest and home care, while more severe sprains may require professional treatment.
The most important aspect of an ankle sprain is the healing process. The ligaments need to fully heal before returning to normal activities. If not, they can sustain permanent damage, which leads to ankle instability and repeat sprains.
Ankle sprains vary in severity, and doctors use a specific grading system to determine how to treat your injury. There are three significant categories of ankle sprains, and they include:
A grade one sprain is the least severe ankle injury. It happens when one or more of the ligaments stretch slightly past their normal range or there's a tiny tear in one of the ligaments. You may notice mild swelling and tenderness with this type of sprain.
The next type of ankle sprain is a grade two injury. It's more severe than a grade one because one or more of the ligaments have torn, but not completely. A grade two injury may exhibit more severe swelling and difficulty moving the ankle joint.
The most significant injury is a grade three ankle sprain. In this type of sprain, one or more ligaments tear entirely, causing intense pain, swelling, and trouble walking. You need intense rehabilitation for a grade three ankle sprain.
A sprained ankle usually requires some treatment to reduce inflammation and allow the damaged ligament to heal properly. Dr. Allen first needs to determine what grade of sprain you've suffered to choose the best treatment for your needs.
At your appointment, Dr. Allen examines the injured ankle and performs imaging studies like an X-ray or MRI. Once he knows the extent and grade of the sprain, he formulates a customized treatment plan.
Regardless of severity, most sprains require conservative care and time off from the injury. Some treatments you can expect include:
The goal of treatment is to allow the ligaments time to get back to their normal position or heal any tears that occurred. The sprain must heal completely before returning to sports or vigorous exercise. If not, it could lead to repetitive sprains and chronic ankle instability.
Surgery is rarely necessary for an ankle sprain, even a grade three tear. However, if the sprain doesn't heal properly and you have repeat sprains, you may need surgery to stabilize the joint to prevent further injury.
Call Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Allen for an ankle sprain. We have two convenient locations in San Antonio, Texas. You can also request a consultation using our convenient online booking tool.
