Did I Sprain My Ankle?

Did I Sprain My Ankle?

A sprained ankle can be a serious nuisance and painful condition. However, understanding the signs of a sprain and knowing what you ankle spraincan do to help your body heal quickly can be the key to overcoming a sprain and getting back on your feet. Find out more about sprained ankles and how your podiatrist can help you with Dr. Jeffrey Agricola at Prestige Podiatry in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN.

What is a sprain? 
A sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding a joint become damaged or overstretched, often due to a traumatic event like rolling the ankle. Though sprains often present similar symptoms as a broken bone, a break affects only the bone while a sprain only affects the soft tissues.

Is my ankle sprained? 
A sprained ankle produces symptoms like pain, swelling, and bruising focused on the soft tissues around the affected joint. A sprain may allow you to place some pressure on the foot, but a break will not allow you to place any pressure on the foot. Additionally, if your ankle is broken, you will find the pain is concentrated over the ankle joint itself rather than the soft tissues surrounding it.

Diagnosing a Sprained Ankle
If you think that you have a sprained ankle, your podiatrist can help you rule out a broken bone and find the best treatment for you. Though sprains are sometimes obvious from a visual examination, your doctor will use an x-ray to ensure that your bones remain intact and unharmed. If your podiatrist determines that you have a broken bone, you will probably require a cast. However, a sprain requires a less invasive method of treatment.

Sprained Ankle Treatments in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN 
Treating a sprain often begins with the RICE method: resting and icing the foot to help with pain and swelling, using a bandage to compress the foot to help reduce swelling, and elevating the foot over the heart. This method has proven successful in treating sprains and often requires several weeks of using crutches. More severe or frequent sprains may require physical therapy, prescription medication, injection therapy, or even surgery.

For more information on sprained ankles or how your podiatrist can help with a diagnosis and treatment options, please contact Dr. Agricola at Prestige Podiatry in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN. Call (317) 846-4111 to schedule your appointment at the Carmel location and (317) 881-0070 to schedule your appointment at the Indianapolis location today!