Neuropathy is among the most common side effects of diabetes. Although it can’t be cured, the numbness, tingling, and pain of diabetic neuropathy are manageable with these tips.
Every day 25,000 people sprain their ankle. The injury can result during sports or exercise, but often happens because of a misstep off a curb or step.
Sprains are often mild and heal with rest and at-home care. But serious sprains require medical intervention from experienced podiatrists, like those at Go Feet in Hammonton, Mays Landing, and Linwood, New Jersey.
Sprains often resolve with diligent care and rehabilitation exercises. Pain medications help ease discomfort. Some sprains are severe enough to require immobilization in a cast.
Here’s what defines an ankle sprain and your treatment.
A sprain occurs when the ligaments that hold the three bones in the ankle joint together stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
Mild sprains involve microscopic tears in the ligament tissue, while more serious sprains result in a complete tear or rupture of the soft tissue.
Sprain symptoms vary depending on the degree of your injury. You may have:
If you have throbbing pain or if your ankle looks deformed, you have a severe sprain or possibly a break. Get care right away.
Our podiatrists examine your injury, order imaging tests, and do range-of-motion tests. Your ankle sprain will fall under one of three “grades” of injury:
This mild sprain features slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligaments. You might have mild tenderness and can still bear weight without pain.
Grade 2 sprains feature partial tearing of the ligament. You’ll have moderate pain when weightbearing and some instability. Bruising, swelling, and pain are expected.
This is the most severe sprain and refers to a complete tear of the ligament. You’ll have significant tenderness around the site of the injury and severe pain when walking or standing.
Your doctor will notice substantial instability in the joint.
Our podiatrists may recommend a walking boot or aircast brace to provide support while you heal. These cases are removable, but should be worn as directed to be effective in your healing.
If you have a grade 3 sprain, we may recommend a short leg cast or cast-brace for up to two weeks.
Your podiatrist determines when you’re ready to move on to the next phase of healing that involves simple range-of-motion exercises and balance retraining.
The final phase of your rehabilitation introduces weightbearing activity and more complex ankle movements. It’s important that you follow the recovery protocol to prevent long-term ankle instability and reinjury.
If you think you’ve sprained your ankle, make an appointment at Go Feet today.
Call one of the convenient locations of Go Feet in the Hammonton, Mays Landing, and Linwood, New Jersey areas, or use the online tool to schedule an appointment. We’re available to help you with all stages of ankle healing.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Neuropathy is among the most common side effects of diabetes. Although it can’t be cured, the numbness, tingling, and pain of diabetic neuropathy are manageable with these tips.
Orthotics can help children avoid pain in their feet, legs, or back caused by improper foot alignment. Here are signs that your child would benefit from orthotics and tips for why customized orthotics may be best.
Wearing the wrong shoes can cause all sorts of foot problems and pain, including heel spurs. Here’s how the wrong shoes contribute to the development of these bony growths and their corresponding soft tissue pain.
People with diabetes need to be meticulous about their foot care. Nerve damage makes your feet vulnerable to infection and potential amputation. Here’s how to keep your feet healthy if you are diabetic.
The serious heel pain that results from inflammation of the plantar fascia can make standing, walking, and running uncomfortable. Orthotics can help reduce irritation, so you get relief from your plantar fasciitis. Here’s what you need to know.
Ankle sprains are incredibly common but share some of the same symptoms as ankle fractures. It’s important to know which injury you have to make sure you get the right care for your joint. Here are some differences between the injuries.