A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments and most commonly affects the ankle. Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey are podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., with an office located in Chicago, IL. They can provide expert care for your ankle sprain.
A ligament is a tough band of fibrous tissue connecting two bones in your joints, and when it is overstretched or tears, it leads to a sprain. When the sprain is mild, you can treat it at home with rest, ice, elevation, and compression. However, when an ankle sprain is more severe, you may need surgery to repair the damaged ligament.
Ankle Sprain Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the sprain, the symptoms experienced will vary, but they may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Limited ability to move the ankle
- Bruising
- “Pop” felt or heard at the time of injury
When Should You See a Podiatrist
You may be able to treat a mild sprain in the comfort of your home. Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey of Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., in Chicago, IL, are experienced podiatrists who will evaluate you for a possible ankle sprain by performing a physical exam to determine the best treatment plan for you. The injury can cause serious issues, such as ankle fractures, so it is best not to wait to see a doctor. There are signs and symptoms to look for that indicate a more severe sprain that requires medical attention.
You need to see a doctor if you:
- Are unable to move or bear weight on the ankle
- Feel pain directly over the bones of the ankle
- Experience numbness or tingling in any part of the ankle
Causes of Ankle Sprains
When you overextend or tear a ligament in your ankle, a sprain occurs and is often caused by walking, running, or exercising on an uneven surface, or landing awkwardly after a jump.
Other risk factors can contribute to sprains, and they include:
- Fatigue: When a muscle is tired, they are not at their best to support your ankle. It is also more susceptible to succumb to forces causing stress on the joint.
- Environmental conditions: When an uneven surface is made worse by being wet and slippery, you become more prone to injury.
- Inadequate equipment: If your footwear is ill-fitting or poorly maintained, it can lead to poor support of your ankle. If you use faulty exercise equipment, it can also lead to an injury.
Treatment for An Ankle Sprain
Depending on the severity, you may be able to perform self-care of a sprain with just rest, ice, elevation, and compression. You may also take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with the pain. With time, you will be able to use the ankle again.
When you experience an ankle sprain, you can count on the podiatrists’ team at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey, located in Chicago, IL, to provide expert care for your ankle sprain. Please call them for an appointment today at (773) 631-2079.