Ankle Sprain Treatment in Katy, TX
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Did you know that 25,000 people sprain their ankles every day? You may remember spraining your ankle as a child while playing ball or unexpectedly stepping on an uneven surface. Athletes face the potential of sprained ankles every time they step on a ball field, jump a hurdle, or run a race! Our specialist for ankle sprain treatment in Katy, TX, explains more about ankle sprains below.
Levels of Sprains
At times, you might feel a twisting sensation in your ankles, but the pain fades away quickly and you can continue what you were doing without additional pain. However, a more severe sprain may cause your ankles to swell, making it too painful to stand. Sometimes with a bad sprain, you may even feel a “pop” as you get injured.
Causes of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains happen when one or more ligaments on the outer side of your ankle get torn or stretched. The ankle typically rolls inward or outward. When you have pain along the inner side of your ankle, always seek the advice of a professional as this may indicate a very serious injury to the tendons or the ligaments that support your foot arch.
Dr. Vargas uses advanced digital x-ray technology to determine whether you have a sprain or a broken bone. If you or your loved one cannot bear weight after an injury or if the foot swells or looks deformed, call us immediately, and we will prioritize your care with a same-day appointment. Make sure to let us know what happened when you sprained your ankle.
Sprained Ankle Treatments
For minor sprains, remember the acronym R.I.C.E.!
R – Rest your ankle and do not walk on it. Avoid bearing weight on the affected foot as much as possible and use crutches if you need them. If your foot is not fractured, you can safely put a little weight on it, but you should wear an ankle brace to stabilize your feet and control swelling while the ligaments heal.
I – Ice your ankle to keep swelling down. Do not put ice directly on your skin. Instead, use a pillowcase between the ice pack and your skin. Watch the time carefully — more than 20 minutes of ice at a time can cause frostbite!
C – Compress your ankle with an ankle sleeve to control swelling and to keep your ankle still as you heal. You can find an ankle sleeve at the store right in our office. Dr. Vargas may also recommend a splint to keep your ankle perfectly still for optimal healing.
E – Elevate your ankle. Sit in a reclined position and prop your foot above your waist or heart level.
Your swelling will usually go down in a few days. If your sprain is serious, do not delay calling us for treatment. Most likely, you or your loved one will not need to have surgery, but ignoring a bad sprain can lead to lasting or permanent damage. Competitive athletes should always have their ankles checked thoroughly!