We've all been there – you step off a curb wrong or twist your ankle hiking, leading to a painful ankle sprain. In most cases, you can rest the injury, use ice and compression, and return to normal activities within a few weeks.
But what happens when the same injury occurs again, even with less injury or trauma? You may be dealing with a repeat ankle sprain due to chronic ankle instability, which is often the result of the injury not healing completely the first time.
If you're tired of dealing with ankle sprains, Dr. Brandon Downs and the team at Orthopaedic Specialists offer lateral ligament repairs to fix the problem. Dr. Downs is an experienced and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in cutting-edge treatments for issues like ankle sprains.
An ankle sprain is a common injury occurring when the tough ligaments in the ankle joint become stretched or torn. People who play sports, especially those involved in soccer, running, and football, are at high risk for ankle sprains.
Ankle sprains also occur from walking or running on uneven surfaces, like when hiking in the woods or walking on sand. You may also suffer an ankle sprain from a fall or accident that causes the ankle to twist beyond its normal range.
There are several grades of ankle sprains, ranging in severity. A grade one sprain is the least severe and happens when the ligaments stretch past their normal range. A grade three sprain is the most severe and occurs when the ligaments tear, sometimes requiring surgery.
Dr. Downs conservatively treats grade one and grade two ankle sprains with rest, ice, medications, and physical therapy. The sprain must heal completely before returning to normal activities, or you risk a repeat injury.
The symptoms of an ankle sprain vary based on the severity of the injury. Most people experience swelling, pain, and bruising around the sprain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Repeated injuries to the ankle ligaments lead to repeat ankle sprains – but why? The most common reason for recurrent ankle sprains is that the original injury never healed properly, leading to instability within the joint.
The ligament damage from an ankle sprain affects balance and stability in the affected ankle. When you don't have optimal balance, and the joint is wobbly or unstable, you're more likely to twist or injure the ligaments again, perpetuating a vicious cycle of ankle sprains.
Without the proper healing time and physical therapy, the ligaments can't repair themselves, causing chronic inflammation and pain in the joint. If the ligaments don't heal totally, they are more vulnerable to repeat injuries and chronic ankle instability.
Chronic instability results from repeated ankle sprains, causing the lateral aspect of the ankle to give out or feel unstable. Many people with chronic ankle instability turn their ankles when playing sports and walking or running on uneven terrain.
Chronic ankle instability increases the risk of further ankle sprains and injuries, which may result in surgical repair of the ligaments within the joint.
The good news is that you can take specific steps and precautions to prevent repeated ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. The number one tip Dr. Downs recommends after an ankle sprain is to seek professional treatment.
Proper care and rehabilitation are vital for an ankle sprain to heal completely. With a professional evaluation, you know the severity of the injury and the appropriate steps to take to allow the ligaments to heal.
Dr. Downs thoroughly evaluates the injury to determine your sprain grade and the best treatment route. Following the treatment plan is the only way to avoid further injury to the joint.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are crucial after an ankle sprain to allow the body to begin healing the damaged ligaments. Dr. Downs may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications to decrease swelling around the injury.
Rehabilitation is also critical in the recovery process. Ankle sprain rehabilitation involves strengthening the muscles and other tissues around the injury to improve balance and stability in the joint.
Following the treatment plan and rehabilitation process is crucial to avoiding repeated ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. The only way to prevent further injury is to allow the injury to heal fully, and you don’t have to worry about coverage; our practice accepts all insurance for worry-free appointments and treatments.
Call Orthopaedic Specialists today to schedule a sprained ankle consultation at one of our five Nashville, Tennessee, area offices. You can also request an appointment using the convenient online booking tool.
