How to Manage Pain and Prevent Re-Injury After an Ankle Sprain

A sprained ankle is a type of injury that commonly affects runners and people who play sports like tennis, basketball, and soccer. If you experience symptoms of a sprained ankle, our board-certified podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, can determine the most effective treatment for you. Our expert podiatry team offers advanced diagnostics and same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle problems.

Understanding the Causes of A Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are overstretched or forced out of their normal position. Ligaments are thick bands of tissue that connect your bones and joints, providing stability to your ankle and preventing excessive movement.

A sprained ankle can result from a fall, forceful blow, or awkward movements like twisting or rolling the ankle. Ankle sprains are common in sports, like soccer, tennis, and basketball, that require jumping and cutting movements.

Some people experience a popping sound or sensation at the time of their injury.

A sprained ankle can cause your ligaments to stretch or tear completely. The symptoms of your sprained ankle depend on the severity of your injury.

Pain and Discomfort: Ankle Sprain Symptoms

A sprained ankle is a common injury that typically involves the ligaments on the outer side of your ankle. Depending on the severity of your injury, your symptoms may include:

Pain
Tenderness
Inability to bear weight
Bruising
Swelling
Weakness or instability
Limited range of motion

When left untreated, a sprained ankle can increase your risk of future ankle injuries and lead to serious complications like arthritis in the ankle joint or chronic ankle instability. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, we offer same-day appointments for urgent problems like fractures and sprained ankles.

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Identifying Ankle Sprains

Your podiatrist begins your diagnosis with a thorough physical exam, checking for tenderness, pain, and limited range of motion. In some cases, they may be able to diagnose your condition through a physical exam alone.

If your condition is more complex, your doctor may conduct additional imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI. Your doctor uses your examination to determine the severity of your injury and plan the best route for successful treatment.

Get Relief Now with Proper Ankle Sprain Treatments

If your condition is mild, your doctor may recommend at-home treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) and over-the-counter pain relievers. In most cases, your doctor can effectively treat your injury with conservative treatments, including:

Physical therapy
Electrical nerve stimulation
Ultrasound therapy
Continued passive motion (CPM)
Removable cast or brace

The goal of treatment is to relieve your pain, protect your ankle from further injury, and allow your ligaments to strengthen and heal. If your condition doesn’t respond to conservative care, you may need surgery. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our team works with you to find the right treatment for your injury.

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How to Manage Pain and Prevent Re-Injury After an Ankle Sprain

Understanding the Causes of A Sprained Ankle

Pain and Discomfort: Ankle Sprain Symptoms

Identifying Ankle Sprains

Get Relief Now with Proper Ankle Sprain Treatments

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