Ankle Sprain Injuries

Ankle sprain injuries are some of the most common injuries of the foot and ankle, especially in athletes. It is an injury to the ligaments that connects the lower leg to the foot. This normally occurs when you step on someone’s foot (usually during sport activities), step on uneven terrain and roll the ankle, or step off a curb or step.

During an ankle sprain, the ligaments of the outer part of the ankle (Ex: Anterior Talo-fibular ligament or Calcaneo-fibular ligament) become stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. If the sprain is severe enough, you may damage the ligaments on the inside part of the ankle (Deltoid ligaments).

Grading ankle sprains and symptoms:

• Grade I: Lateral (outer ankle) ligaments are strained (overstretched). You ankle will tender and you may have a slight swelling. You will be able to walk with mild tenderness.
• Grade II: Partial tearing of one or several of these ligaments. You will develop moderate pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. You may or may not be able to bear full weight with this type of injury.
• Grade III: Complete rupture (tear) one or more of the ankle ligaments. You will have severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. You may hear a pop, indicating a torn ligament. You will not be able to bear any weight on the foot after this type of injury.

The doctors at Professional Foot and Ankle Center in Burbank and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA advice against trying to ignore the pain and walking it off as this may cause more damage to the ligaments and surrounding tendons of the foot and ankle.

Dr. Shadi Yadegaran and Dr. Armin Feradouni recommend immediate treatment of any ankle sprain. If ankle sprains are not treated properly, the condition may become chronic.

Initial treatment should include the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Your doctors at Professional foot and Ankle Center may recommend use of ankle brace or boot/cast immobilization. X-rays may be necessary to rule out fractures.

Once the initial pain has subsided, Dr. Shadi Yadegaran and Dr. Armin Feradouni will recommend physical therapy for strengthening of the tendons surrounding the ankle as well as proprioceptive (balancing) exercises.

Normally, patients return to full activities by 6-8 weeks. If the ligaments of the inside part of the ankle are affected as well, recovery time may take 3-6 months. If pain and instability to the ankle persists, and conservative care (includes RICE, immobilization, physical therapy) fails for more than 6 months, surgical tightening of the ankle ligaments may be recommended.

Dr. Shadi Yadegaran and Dr. Armin Feradouni at Professional Foot and Ankle Center serving the Burbank, CA area and its surrounding cities (Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood, Valley Village, Toluca Lake), and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA and its surrounding cities (San Pedro, Wilmington, Lomita, Torrance, Redondo Beach).

For more information and to book an appointment online, please visit our booking page at https://www.profootandanklecenter.com/book-online/.