How to Keep an Ankle Sprain From Becoming Chronic Instability

A sprained ankle is a very typical sports injury that can happen when you play basketball, football, soccer, or tennis. But it can also happen in the most mundane way. If you miss a step, roll your ankle, or just land on it awkwardly, it’s an easy joint to injure. 

No matter what caused it, ignoring ankle pain is a terrible idea, and you need to get it checked out right way to make sure it doesn’t turn into a case of chronic instability.

How to tell if you have a sprained ankle

Your ankle is a joint that’s made up of tendons, muscles, and ligaments. If the ligaments become strained, injured, or torn, it’s considered a sprain. But if the tear is severe or complete, you may require surgery. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s most likely a sprained ankle:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Bruising, redness, or discoloration
• Tenderness
• Ankle can’t support your weight

What to do if you’ve sprained your ankle 

If your ankle is hurting, make sure to follow what we call the “RICE” method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). 

Then make an appointment as soon as you can to see Ryan Golub, DPM. He knows exactly what to do for injured ankles and how to help prevent the condition from becoming chronic. 

At Arizona Foot Health in Phoenix, we specialize in all ankle, foot, and toe issues.  

What you can expect at your appointment

When you come to our office, Dr. Golub will do a full examination, which may involve taking an X-ray to see the extent of the injury. Once he determines the specific condition of your injury, he begins treatment right away.

Sprained ankle treatments may include: medication to reduce the pain and inflammation, as well as a boot, brace, or compression wrapping, and crutches if you really can’t put any weight on it. 

We’ll eliminate your pain and let the injury heal, and then follow it up with physical therapy to make sure the sprain doesn’t happen again and create a chronic condition. 

Don’t wait for your sprained ankle to turn into chronic instability

Spraining your ankle regularly or having consistent pain are signs of chronic instability. 

Considering how important the ankle joint is to your body and how it supports your full body weight, this is not a condition you want to have to deal with on a daily and consistent basis. This can lead to many more complications, including arthritis. 

This is why it’s so important that you come to see us right away. Don’t let a sprained ankle turn into something worse. Call us or use the handy “Request Appointment” tool today.