Ankle Sprain Treatment in Frisco, Denton, and Plano, TX

Sprained ankles are caused by rolling, twisting, or turning your ankle in an awkward manner. The ligaments (tough bands of tissue) that hold your ankle bones together can be stretched or torn by this.

Ligaments prevent excessive movement of joints by stabilizing them. Sprains of the ankle are caused by a force exerted beyond the normal range of motion of the ligaments. Injury to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle is the most common cause of sprained ankles.

Sprained ankles are treated differently depending on their severity. The appropriate treatment may depend on how badly you’ve sprained your ankle, but self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications may suffice.

If you suspect a sprain when your ankle is painful and swollen, you should consult your doctor. Taking self-care measures may be enough, but speak with your doctor about having your ankle evaluated. You may have a broken bone or significant ligament damage in your ankle or lower leg if signs and symptoms are severe.

History of a prior sprain is the greatest risk factor for a future sprain. A sprain that has not been treated is especially at risk. Leaving sprains untreated will often result in chronic pain, swelling, instability, and arthritis if the ankle is left untreated.

Sprains should be immobilized as soon as possible, with the ankle ligaments in a stable position. During this time, the body sends inflammatory and growth factors to heal the ligaments in the correct position. An ankle may become unstable if ligaments stretch and become lax as a result of a delay in treatment. If other injuries occur concurrently, such as tendon tears or cartilage injuries, they should also be diagnosed as soon as possible in order to begin appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a sprain and fracture can be similar, including swelling, bruising, and significant pain. If you have injured your foot, you may have difficulty putting weight on it.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, are necessary to determine whether you have a sprain or a fracture.

You should visit our office if you’ve injured your ankle, but if you’re still able to bear weight on it, your injury is likely a sprain. You will feel mild-to-moderate pain, and your ankle will be unstable. It takes several hours or days for swelling and bruising to develop.

If you have fractured your ankle, you will be unable to bear weight on it (though some severe sprains may allow you to do so). A moderate to severe amount of pain will be experienced, as well as some numbness in your foot and ankle. Almost immediately after the injury, your ankle may appear deformed and develop swelling or bruising.

Ankle sprains usually result from falling or twisting your ankle, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Upon visiting your healthcare provider, they will assess the injury, confirm the diagnosis, and suggest a course of treatment.

In most cases, swelling doesn’t appear immediately. There might be a delay of several hours before it develops. A mild to moderate sprain could cause swelling that lasts up to 48 hours. As your torn ligament heals, swelling may persist for a longer period after a severe sprain.

A sprained ankle could get worse, cause more discomfort and take longer to heal if too much pressure is applied. While most sprains heal on their own, you can prevent future injuries by rebuilding your ankle’s strength. Instability (chronic ankle sprains) and repeat ankle sprains can result from not allowing your ankle ligaments enough time to heal.

Ankle sprain treatment is available at Pain Specialists of Frisco. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Frisco, TX, and Denton, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, Little Elm TX, Prosper TX, McKinney TX, Corinth, TX, Highland Village, TX, Plano TX, Celina TX, The Colony TX, Allen TX, Dallas, TX, Fortworth TX, and surrounding areas.