Ankle Sprain Treatment in Bradenton & Sarasota, FL
Get Back on Your Feet with Help from Our Experienced Team
An ankle sprain occurs when the strong ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur among people of all ages. They range from mild to severe, depending upon how much damage there is to the ligaments.
Most sprains are minor injuries that heal with home treatments like rest and applying ice. However, if your ankle is swollen and painful to walk on — or if you are having trouble putting weight on your ankle at all, be sure to see our foot doctor for ankle sprain treatment in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL.
Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, a more severe sprain can weaken your ankle—making it more likely that you will injure it again. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term problems, including chronic ankle pain, arthritis.
Causes of an Ankle Sprain
Your foot can twist unexpectedly during many different activities, such as:
- Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
- Falling down
- Participating in sports that require cutting actions or rolling and twisting of the foot — such as trail running, basketball, tennis, football, and soccer
- During sports activities, someone else may step on your foot while you are running, causing your foot to twist or roll to the side
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
A sprained ankle is painful. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness to touch
- Instability of the ankle
Treatment for an Ankle Sprain
Almost all ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately.
A three-phase program guides treatment for all ankle sprains—from mild to severe:
Phase 1 – Resting, protecting the ankle, and reducing the swelling
Phase 2 – Restoring range of motion, strength, and flexibility
Phase 3 – Maintenance exercises and the gradual return to activities that do not require turning or twisting the ankle. This will be followed later by being able to do activities that require sharp, sudden turns (cutting activities)—such as tennis, basketball, or football
This three-phase treatment program may take just 2 weeks to complete for minor sprains or up to 6 to 12 weeks for more severe injuries.
Home Treatments
For milder sprains, simple home treatment may be recommended:
- Rest your ankle by not walking on it
- Ice should be immediately applied to keep the swelling down. It can be used for 20 to 30 minutes, three or four times daily. Do not apply ice directly to your skin
- Compression dressings, bandages, or ace-wraps will immobilize and support your injured ankle
- Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart as often as possible during the first 48 hours
Contact Us for Experienced Ankle Sprain Treatment in Bradenton & Sarasota, FL
To experience our 5-star-rated podiatry care, schedule your Comprehensive New Patient Assessment today by calling 941-753-9599 to reach our Bradenton office or 941-366-2627 to reach our Sarasota office. You may also click here to use our convenient online request form. Your appointment includes:
- Discuss Your Goals
- Review Your Medical History
- Thorough Exam
- Custom Treatment Plan
We will take the time to explore your unique needs and answer your questions prior to recommending the next steps. We always provide a straightforward plan with a consultative approach to help you feel comfortable and ready to proceed with treatment.
As one of the premier podiatry practices in Bradenton & Sarasota, FL, our podiatrists and team at West Coast Podiatry Center also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients from Venice, FL & the surrounding areas.