Athletes and people who enjoy frequent physical activity often experience injuries like ankle sprains. Getting an ankle sprain can happen instantly, but it can cause weeks or even months of discomfort. Dr. Tod Reed has been the sole physician at Cardinal Foot and Ankle in Muncie, IN, for over 30 years. Every year, patients trust him to provide quality podiatric care for common foot conditions like ankle pain. Learn more about Dr. Reed’s expertise and experience with treating ankle sprain injuries and other common foot problems when you visit his office for an initial consultation.
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
When you experience a sprain in the body, it is an injury to ligaments caused by stretching or tearing. A sprain in the ankle is often caused by a sudden action while performing an athletic activity that pulls or pushes the ankle out of its natural position. An ankle sprain can also happen due to repetitive activity over a period of time that puts undue stress on the ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Ankle Sprain Treatments
Your Muncie, IN, doctor will likely prescribe non-invasive treatments for an ankle sprain. The ligaments need a chance to rest and heal. The therapies that can help give you pain relief and aid in the repair of tissue include:
- X-rays to identify the exact location of the ligament damage.
- Rest and ice therapy.
- Physical therapy, including strengthening and range-of-motion exercises, is performed daily.
- Compression therapy using ace bandages for support and stability.
- NSAID medications (for pain) and corticosteroid injections (to control inflammation)
- In the case of high-grade ankle sprains, the doctor may have to fit you into a cast that you will wear for several weeks.
Ankle Sprain Prevention Tips
You can reduce the likelihood of ankle sprains in the future by taking steps to prioritize foot care and protect your feet from injuries. Follow these ankle sprain prevention tips:
- Update your footwear choices to shoes that provide more support for your ankles.
- Continue to stretch and do therapeutic exercises to help increase flexibility.
- Wrap your feet and ankles before participating in high-energy athletic activities.
Help for Your Painful Ankle Injury
If you have ankle pain that may be a sprain, rest it and seek immediate treatment with a podiatrist. See Dr. Tod Reed at Cardinal Foot and Ankle in Muncie, IN, to find out why, after 30 years, patients still trust him to treat their ankle sprain injuries and other podiatric conditions. Call (765) 287-8279 to schedule a time to visit the office.