An ankle sprain, while painful, is a common and curable injury. Even so, if you have to deal with one, it’s important to know specifics in order to ensure a full recovery. The more you learn, the better you can treat one after seeing a professional. 

What is an Ankle Sprain? 

When you roll, bend, or twist your ankle in a way that doesn’t come naturally or easily, you may stretch the bone ligaments too much, perhaps even tearing them. This results in what is known as an ankle sprain. Besides being painful to walk on, it may cause your ankle to swell or discolor, though a doctor at a podiatric services clinic could give an official diagnosis. 

How are They Treated? 

The affected ankle should be wrapped, iced, and elevated as much as possible in order to reduce swelling. When you’re walking, use a brace. A foot care specialist could also provide advice and guidance for therapeutic exercise to help your ankle regain its strength and coordination. Depending on the severity of the injury, an ankle sprain may require anywhere from five days to six weeks to heal.  

What Happens If You Don’t Treat an Ankle Sprain? 

As long as you keep your ankle elevated or immobilized most of the time, the sprain will eventually heal on its own. Only rarely does an ankle sprain require surgery. However, if you choose not to do therapeutic exercises for it, you may re-injure it more seriously. You may also experience chronic ankle pain, joint deterioration, or leg weakness.  

 
To get a professional diagnosis and treatment plan for an ankle sprain, go to Foot & Ankle Specialists of Cincinnati. The staff members are all current instructors and directors for a surgical residency program, so they’re highly experienced not only in treating conditions relating to feet and ankles, but explaining them to you and keeping you informed about your foot health. To schedule an appointment with this Blue Ash, OH health care office, call the office at (513) 769-4408, or send a message online.