Ankle Sprain Specialist
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Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio
Marque A. Allen, DPM, FACFAS
Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery located in Alamo Heights, TX & San Antonio, TX
An ankle sprain is one of the most common activity-related injuries, affecting more than 25,000 Americans each year. Most sprains are minor and heal on their own, but if your symptoms persist or get worse, don’t wait to seek professional help. At Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, double board-certified podiatrist Marque Allen, DPM, boasts years of experience diagnosing and treating ankle sprains. To make an appointment at one of the two locations in San Antonio, Texas and Alamo Heights, Texas, call the nearest office today or click the online booking feature.
Ankle Sprain Q & A
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when you over-extend or tear the tough bands of fibrous tissue (ligaments) that surround and support your ankle joint. They can affect anyone but are especially common in athletes and other physically active individuals.
Sprains usually aren’t serious, but they can be very uncomfortable. If your symptoms last for more than a few days, make an appointment with Dr. Allen at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio.
The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications like ankle instability.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
Common symptoms of an ankle sprain include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Sensitivity to touch
- Ankle instability
If you suffer a severe ankle sprain, you might hear or feel a popping sensation when the injury first occurs.
What causes an ankle sprain?
Ankle sprains occur for various reasons, including walking or exercising on uneven surfaces, stepping down awkwardly, or falling down. You’re also more likely to experience an ankle sprain if you play sports that require regular pivots or foot movements, like soccer, basketball, or tennis.
How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?
To diagnose an ankle sprain, Dr. Allen asks about your symptoms and carefully examines your foot and ankle. During the exam, he gently presses on your ankle to determine the injured ligaments. He also has you move your ankle in several directions to test its strength and range of motion.
In most cases, Dr. Allen is able to diagnose ankle sprains based on visual observation. If he suspects an underlying issue, like a fracture or a dislocated joint, he might order additional testing, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.
How is an ankle sprain treated?
Treatment of an ankle sprain depends on several factors, including the severity of the sprain, your age, and your medical history. Most sprains, including those that are severe, respond to conservative treatments like:
- Ice, rest, and elevation
- Crutches
- Immobilization
- Physical therapy
- At-home strengthening exercises
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Balance training
- Topical CBD products
If your sprain doesn’t respond to these treatments, or your ankle joint remains unstable even after months of physical therapy, surgical intervention might be necessary. Dr. Allen performs both traditional open ankle surgery and minimally invasive arthroscopic ankle repair.
To learn more about the treatment options for an ankle sprain, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the nearest office today or booking online.
