Ankle sprains are very common injuries. Almost everyone has twisted their ankle at some point. It can happen when you walk, run or play sports. Even a small misstep can cause injury and pain. If you don't treat a sprain properly, it can cause problems later.
At Banner Health, our foot and ankle specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating ankle sprains. We help you take care of your ankle and prevent future sprains so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
The ankle joint is held in place by strong, fibrous tissue called ligaments. Ligaments connect the bones and help support your ankle.
A sprained ankle is an injury to one or more ligaments in your ankle. When you twist or roll your ankle, the ligaments can stretch too much or even tear.
Sometimes called a twisted ankle, this injury can be mild to severe. The injury is often graded.
Sprains can happen in many different ways. Common reasons include:
Even minor activities can lead to a sprain. Older adults and people with weak ankles are at higher risk.
There are three main types of ankle sprains. Each type depends on which ligaments are hurt and how your ankle twists.
Symptoms can show up right away or within a few hours. Look out for:
Severe sprains may make walking impossible. Mild sprains might only cause minor discomfort.
Most ankle sprains can be treated at home, but some injuries need medical care. See your health care provider or go to an urgent care if you notice:
Your health care provider will diagnose your sprained ankle after a physical exam. They will check:
Imaging tests may include:
Treating a sprain depends on its severity. Most people recover with care at home.
Follow the R.I.C.E. method for mild to moderate sprains:
Pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help.
Additional care may be required for moderate to severe sprains:
Most ankle sprains do not need surgery. However, if you have serious ligament damage or keep spraining your ankle, your provider may recommend surgery.
Recovery depends on the severity of the sprain:
Even after the pain goes away, the ankle might still feel weak. Doing physical therapy can help prevent future injuries. Exercises may include gentle stretching, strength building and balance and stability exercises.
Preventing future sprains is possible. Try these tips:
Our orthopedic and sports medicine experts can help you. They are known for their specialized care and want to help you recover. We create detailed treatment plans just for you, using the latest techniques and therapies, to help you do what you love again.
Get expert care and a personalized treatment plan. Make an appointment today.