Signs You've Sprained Your Ankle

You misstep when out for your morning walk. Your foot twists and while you don't fall, your ankle bears the stress of that sudden motion. You're in pain, and you think you may have sprained your ankle. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, your Waldorf, MD, podiatrists Dr. Larry Hotchkiss and Dr. Justin Pointer know how to evaluate, treat and prevent ankle sprains so you stay active.

Signs of an ankle sprain

Nearly two million Americans experience ankle sprains yearly, says research appearing in American Family Physician. They happen when quick twisting motion tears or stretches the supporting ligaments on the outer aspect of the ankle.

Typical signs of this common, but potentially serious injury, include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Inability to bear weight on the affected limb
• Gait instability

Usually, ankle sprains occur during walking or running, particularly on uneven surfaces, if the person is wearing worn shoes, if the individual is sedentary or if an athlete fails to stretch before strenuous activity. Whatever the circumstance, you should contact your Waldorf, MD, podiatrist immediately for advice and a same day appointment if necessary.

Treating an ankle sprain

Attend to your injury immediately with the RICE protocol:

• Rest
• Ice (20 minutes on the affected area and 20 minutes off)
• Compression (with an elastic bandage)
• Elevation above the level of the heart

These strategies reduce pain and swelling and protect the ankle from further harm.

At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, your podiatrist will inspect your ankle and take digital X-rays to explore the extent of the injury. Most ankle sprains respond to the RICE protocol.

Sometimes, the doctor recommends a semi-rigid ankle support to add protection, and within a few days, he will ask the patient to begin stretching and strengthening exercises. While most sprains do well without invasive treatment, some are severe enough to require stabilization surgery. Whatever the case, active treatment prevents further injury and the extended immobility which could result.

Preventing an ankle sprain

Your Waldorf, MD, podiatrist recommends these strategies to keep your ankles strong and functional:

1. Stay as active as you can. A sedentary lifestyle weakens everything--your heart, bones and supportive tissues, too.
2. If you engage in strenuous exercise, stretch 10 to 15 minutes before your workout or run. This applies to individuals of all ages.
3. Wear good shoes. Whether you walk, run, play ball or something else, your feet and ankles benefit from the protection and support of well-fitting footwear.
4. If you're over 40, get a routine podiatric exam annually. If you're diabetic, see Dr. Pointer or Dr. Hotchkiss as often as they recommend to watch for injuries, sores and poor circulation.

Keep on your feet

Know the signs of ankle sprains. For more information, contact the nearest office of Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle. For the Waldorf office, phone (301) 843-9581. For the Clinton location, call (301) 868-3899.