Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No

How to Keep a Sprained Ankle From Becoming a Chronic Instability

If you’ve sprained your ankle, you may think that you just need to walk it off or take it easy for a few days. But what you may not know is that, without proper treatment, your ankle could still be a problem after it heals. A sprain can weaken your ankle, which can make it easy to sprain again. How can you keep a sprained ankle from becoming chronically unstable? The professionals at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine can treat and help strengthen your ankle so that the sprain doesn’t become a lifelong problem.

What is a sprained ankle?

Ankles are important structures that attach your foot to the rest of your body. A healthy ankle supports your body weight while standing or moving.

When you turn or twist your ankle in a way that nature did not intend, you can tear or stretch ligaments that hold the bones of your ankle together. Ligaments are like rubber bands that run along the outer sides of your ankles. They keep your foot from flopping around and they stabilize the joints. 

About 28,000 ankle injuries occur daily in the United States, according to the National Athletic Trainer’s Association. And about 50% of people who have a lateral ligament sprain — which is when the foot rolls inward and damages the ligaments on the outer ankle — never seek treatment.

That’s a bad move. Because when you sprain your ankle, you stretch or tear ligaments, which can destabilize your foot and make it vulnerable to more twists and sprains as well as ankle osteoarthritis. That’s why you should make an appointment with Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine after even a mild sprain.

How to keep your sprained ankle from becoming chronically unstable

When you sprain your ankle, you should follow the RICE method immediately after. RICE stands for:

Your secondary actions should include making an appointment with Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine so you can get a thorough examination and treatment.

For your initial examination, your provider will gently feel around your ankle to find out which ligaments and bones may have been injured. Your provider may also gently move your ankle to check your range of motion.

Sometimes, pictures of the injury are required, and your provider may recommend that you get X-rays, an MRI scan, or an ultrasound scan.

For most sprains, a simple cast or compression bandage will be enough to help your injury heal. Sometimes, though, surgery may be required along with rehabilitation therapy.

Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine wants you to live an active and healthy life. If you’ve injured your ankle, book an appointment over the phone today. 

 

Author
WFASM Staff writer Staff writer

You Might Also Enjoy...

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?

Explore safe home remedies for ingrown toenails and learn when to seek professional care. Discover prevention tips and prioritize your foot health with guidance from Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine.
The Link Between Footwear and Back Pain

The Link Between Footwear and Back Pain

The relationship between footwear and back pain is undeniable, and the impact goes beyond just the feet. Here’s what you need to know about your shoes, your back pain, and what to do about it.
How Runners Can Avoid Shin Splints

How Runners Can Avoid Shin Splints

Shin splints are a painful condition that can stop a runner in his tracks! Learn how to prevent shin splints and keep running pain-free with the proper shoe selection, warm-up and cool-down routines, and cross-training.
5 Most Common Pediatric Foot Issues and How We Treat Them

5 Most Common Pediatric Foot Issues and How We Treat Them

From the moment they take their first steps, your child’s feet play a vital role in their development. But what happens when common pediatric foot issues arise? Discover the most common pediatric foot problems and how to treat them for a pain-free future.