What is an Ankle Sprain?
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments connect adjacent bones and provide stability to a joint. An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when you suddenly fall or twist the ankle joint, or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump. Most commonly, it occurs when you participate in sports, or jump or run on a surface that is irregular.
Ankle sprain injury occurs when the foot is flexed upward and twisted inwards or outwards. Patients with ankle sprain usually find it difficult to bear weight on the affected foot and often experience swelling and bruising. Proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the level of care and treatment required for this injury. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you are looking for high ankle sprain treatment in the DFW area, Dr. Gary Driver can provide you with expert advice and comprehensive medical care. Read on to learn more about high ankle sprains and treatment options in Fort Worth and Weatherford.
A high ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect the tibia and the fibula—two long bones in the lower leg. Stability between these two bones is very important for activities like walking and running. A high ankle sprain occurs when these ligaments are damaged or torn. This injury is less common than a regular ankle sprain.
How are Ankle Sprains Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an ankle sprain is usually made by evaluating the history of the injury and through a thorough physical examination of the ankle. X-ray(s) of your ankle may be ordered by your doctor to determine the presence of a fracture.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, stiffness, and inability to walk or bear weight on the ankle. If an ankle sprain is accompanied by a fracture, symptoms can be quite severe. In such cases, patients will likely be unable to bear weight on their injured ankle. Patients who have sustained a high ankle sprain may experience the following symptoms:
Prolonged Pain
The most common symptom of an ankle sprain is pain that increases with activity. It will likely start immediately after being injured and may worsen over time. Proper care and treatment are essential to alleviate pain and kickstart recovery.
Swelling
Some swelling in the foot and ankle can occur following a high ankle sprain. However, the degree of swelling is not always an accurate indicator of how serious the injury is. High ankle sprains are often more serious than they look.
Bruising
Mild to severe bruising may occur a few days after the injury. Bruising is caused when blood pools under the skin. The color of the bruising will likely change as it heals and can range from black and blue to red and purple.
Difficulty Walking
Walking will become difficult following an ankle sprain. Some people might be able to walk with a limp, while others might not be able to walk at all. If a high ankle sprain is accompanied by a fracture, bearing weight on the affected foot will be extremely painful.
Treatment for Ankle Sprains in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX
Dr. Gary Driver provides a wide range of treatment options for high ankle sprains in Fort Worth & Weatherford, TX. He offers patient-centered care to ensure fast recovery and enable you to return to your regular routine.
Pain Management
Pain management treatments may include RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help reduce inflammation and manage pain.
The most common treatment recommended for ankle sprains is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
- Rest: You should not move or use the injured foot to reduce pain and prevent further damage. Crutches may be ordered to limit weight-bearing while walking.
- Ice: An ice-pack should be applied over the injured area for up to 3 days after the injury. You can use a cold pack or crushed ice wrapped in a towel. Never place ice directly over your skin. Ice packs help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Compression: Compression of the injured area helps to reduce swelling and bruising. This is usually accomplished by using an elastic wrap for a few days or weeks after the injury.
- Elevation: Place the injured ankle above your heart level for about 2 to 3 hours a day to reduce swelling.
Your doctor may also apply a brace or splint to reduce motion of the ankle. Anti-inflammatory pain medications may be prescribed to help reduce pain and control inflammation.
Immobilization and Support
Dr. Gary Driver may recommend compression tape, a brace, or a cast to immobilize and support your ankle for faster recovery. These devices can prevent your foot from flexing upward and reduce the amount of strain on your injured ligaments.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can involve strengthening exercises that help restore balance and stretches to improve flexibility. Dr. Gary Driver may also recommend water exercises to lighten the load your ankle has to bear during physical therapy.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery is not commonly recommended for high ankle sprains. However, if the sprain was caused by a fracture or if conservative treatments fail to provide relief and stability, surgical intervention may be necessary.
What is the Rehabilitation for an Ankle Sprain?
During your recovery, rehabilitation exercises are recommended to strengthen and improve range of motion in your foot. You may need to wear a brace or wrap to support and protect your ankle during sports activities. Avoid pivoting and twisting movements for 2 to 3 weeks. To prevent further sprains or recurrence of injury, you may need to wear a semi-rigid ankle brace during exercise, special wraps, and high-top lace shoes.
Benefits of Ankle Sprain Treatment
Proper care and treatment are vital for recovery after a high ankle sprain. If left untreated, a high ankle sprain can cause ongoing pain and instability. Here are some proven benefits of high ankle sprain treatment:
Pain Relief
The pain of a high ankle sprain can be more intense than that of a common ankle sprain. Without proper treatment, the pain can become severe over time. Effective treatment can reduce pain and eventually allow you to return to your normal activities.
Faster Recovery
Comprehensive treatment can help you recover faster and regain stability. This is especially important for athletes and those who lead active lifestyles. Addressing the injury early on can enable you to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
Prevention of Complications
Lack of proper care and treatment can result in complications. Without proper care, a high ankle sprain might get worse and even require surgical intervention. Patient-centered care can prevent complications and help you regain stability.
Restored Function
The goal of treatment for a high ankle sprain is to help the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula to heal correctly. Proper treatment can restore function to the ankle joint, helping with flexibility and range of motion.
Why Choose Dr. Gary Driver for Ankle Sprain Treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX?
Dr. Gary Driver has been helping patients in the DFW area recover from high ankle sprains since he opened practice in 2021. He is an expert in providing surgical and non-surgical treatment aimed at restoring function and maximizing recovery. Here are a few things patients appreciate about his approach to medical care:
Advanced Treatment Techniques
With advanced treatment methods and techniques, Dr. Gary Drivers provides patients with exceptional care aimed at helping them overcome their foot & ankle conditions, injuries and return to their normal routines.
Patient-Centered Care
Every patient is unique; what works for one patient may not work for another. Dr. Gary Driver is aware of this and strives to offer personalized care based on the preferences of each individual he has the pleasure of treating.
Convenient Locations
Dr. Gary Driver has clinics in Fort Worth and Weatherford. Patients can book an appointment at whichever location is closest to them.
Award-Winning Service
Dr. Gary Driver is an award-winning foot and ankle specialist. He has been selected every year since 2021 as one of the "Top Docs" for foot and ankle surgery in Fort Worth.
Reliable Expertise
Dr. Gary Driver is a fellowship-trained, double board-certified surgeon. Patients can rest assured that he will provide safe and effective treatment backed by years of training and experience.
Make an Appointment Today
Ankle sprains should be taken seriously. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and get you on the road to recovery. For reliable care, make an appointment with Dr. Gary Driver for ankle sprain treatment in Fort Worth & Weatherford, TX. You can reach his office by phone or by filling out the online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to treat ankle sprain in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX?
The cost of ankle sprain treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford depends on the severity of the injury. If the sprain is accompanied by a fracture, treatment may cost more. During your initial consultation, Dr. Gary Driver can give you an estimate of the cost of treatment.
Does insurance cover high ankle sprain treatment?
Some insurance providers may cover high ankle sprain treatment. Make sure to check with yours before undergoing treatment.
How long does it take to recover from a high ankle sprain?
Recovery from a high ankle sprain usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. However, in severe cases, it may take longer to recover, and surgery may be required.
How can I prevent ankle sprain?
There's no surefire way to prevent accidental injuries like high ankle sprains. However, good balance and lower body strength can decrease the likelihood of ankle-related injuries.
Which exercises can help with recovery from a high ankle sprain?
Some exercises that can help with recovery from a high ankle sprain are side-to-side knee swings, towel scrunches, ankle eversions, and ankle oppositions.
What is the aftercare for ankle sprain surgery?
Following the procedure, you will likely need to wear a splint or a cast to immobilize your ankle, and you will need to limit your activity and keep your weight off of the affected ankle for several weeks. Please see the post op instructions if you had a surgical procedure.