Advanced Ankle Sprain Treatment in Waxahachie, Ennis & Corsicana

 Our Foot Specialists Can Help Keep Your Ankles Healthy & Strong

Approximately 40% of all sports injuries involve ankle sprains. That means more than 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day. The majority of these sprains occur in people under the age of 40. If your injured ankle is not treated correctly, it can literally have a lifetime effect on your ability to stay active. As common as ankle sprains are, there is still a lot of misconceptions about the diagnosis and treatment of them.

Our experienced podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers believe that treating it right the first time is of the utmost importance. Timing is critical when treating a sprained ankle, and we have offices in Waxahachie, Ennis and Corsicana for your convenience. The sooner our podiatrist evaluates your sprain, the sooner you can get back to doing what you love.

What Causes an Ankle Sprain?

Any condition that allows the ankle to twist can cause an ankle sprain. The ligaments that support the ankle and hold it in place become stretched or torn. The most common causes of ankle sprains are falling and stumbling.

If you have had multiple ankle sprains, there is a high probability that you may have ankle instability.  This occurs when the ligaments have become too stretched out and are no longer supporting the ankle correctly. Instability worsens with time and can lead to ankles that twist even with normal walking. This requires an evaluation by one of our expert foot doctors.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of ankle sprains may vary depending on the severity of the sprain. The symptom that’s always present is some level of pain. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling and bruising around the ankle. This is most noticeable several hours after the sprain.
• Tenderness to touch. Depending on the severity of the sprain, even an Ace bandage can cause discomfort.
• Weakness in the ankle.  The ankle may feel that it is going to give out whenever you walk.
• Popping noise in the ankle. A noticeable popping sensation may occur when the ligament that supports the ankle is torn.
• Stiffness in the ankle. This is one of the most common symptoms and is due to injury to the soft tissues in the ankle.

How Can You Tell if the Ankle is Broken?

The most certain way to diagnose a broken ankle is with any x-ray. You can still walk on a broken ankle, contrary to what many have heard. At Family Foot & Ankle Centers, we have in-office x-rays available for an instant and accurate diagnosis. 

What is the Treatment for an Ankle Sprain?

Treatment for an ankle sprain is most effective when started early. It is important to minimize the swelling and pain by immobilizing the ankle as soon as possible. At home treatments can be attempted if the sprain is mild using the R.I.C.E. method. This stand for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

• Rest: The first couple of days after the inury are the most important. This helps prevent further swelling and bruising.
• Ice: Applying ice 20 minutes every 2 hours can help ease pain and reduce swelling.
• Compression: Gentle compression wrapping (such as an ACE bandage) helps reduce swelling. Make sure the wrapping is not too tight or it can cause pain or even stop the blood flow.
• Elevation: Raising your leg above the level of your heart helps control pain and swelling.

How Do Our Podiatrists Treat Ankle Sprains?

The podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers use on-site advanced imaging technology to “look into” your ankle. Digital x-rays allow for immediate visualization of the ankle bone. Digital ultrasound is then used to evaluate the soft tissue that supports the ankle. After examining your ankle and imaging studies, an accurate diagnosis can be made. At this point, your foot doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment.

The previously mentioned RICE therapy is initiated. Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain and swelling may be started. Immobilization may be initiated using a prescription Swedish lock ankle brace or even a cam walker fracture boot. Crutches and resting the ankle prevent additional damage and allow the ankle to heal.

If your ankle instability is severe, you may require surgery to correct a tear in the ligaments that support the ankle.

However, most ankle sprains can be successfully treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is properly immobilized. Put your feet (or ankles) in the hands of the expert podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers.

Clinic here for an illustration of exercises to help strengthen the ankle ligaments and muscles after an ankle sprain.

Get Expert Treatment for Sprains in Waxahachie, Corsicana & Ennis, TX Today!

If you’ve sprained your ankle, schedule an appointment today by calling us at 972-597-4132 or by clicking here to use our convenient online form. During your appointment, our team will be happy to answer all your questions about our treatments, our office, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us! Call today – we can’t wait to help you live your life pain-free!

you have a sprain or whether you have broken a bone in your ankle. If your foot swells, looks deformed, or cannot bear weight after an injury, call Family Foot & Ankle Centers right away. We will prioritize your care with a same-day or next-day appointment.

As the premier podiatry centers in Waxahachie, Corsicana and Ennis, TX, our foot doctors and team at Family Foot & Ankle Centers also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients in our surrounding areas.  We proudly serve patients in Navarro and Ellis counties and surrounding areas including Red Oak, Midlothian, Desoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Arlington and Mansfield. The Foot Specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers are improving lives one foot at a time.