Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common types of injury, and they can also be quite serious if you don’t treat them properly. At the elite podiatry and foot surgery practice of Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst in Savannah, Tennessee, and Corinth, Mississippi, experienced board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Robert Hurst, DPM, provides skilled care for ankle sprains. You need to get help quickly after an ankle sprain to prevent a lasting injury, so call the nearest office or book your appointment online today.

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain refers to unnatural twisting or force involving the ankle joint, which can cause the ligaments connecting the bones to stretch or tear. Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, bruising, instability, and mobility issues.

What causes ankle sprains and other foot and ankle problems?

Ankle sprains often occur because of falls, awkward landing after a jump, losing your footing, or a direct blow to the ankle joint. Other factors, such as using improper footwear, exercising on uneven surfaces, and a history of ankle sprains, can increase your risk of this injury. 

When it comes to other injuries, the causes are often similar. For example, fractures can happen in the same ways, and ankle sprains and fractures may happen simultaneously. 

Beyond injury, some other causes of foot and ankle problems are:

• Arthritis
• Congenital foot issues
• Fungal nails and athlete’s foot
• Tumors
• Neuropathy
• Non-healing wounds (often resulting from diabetes)
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails

If you have a history of these or any other foot and ankle issues, it can affect your foot health and structure, making you more vulnerable to ankle sprains and other injuries.

Can an ankle sprain cause long-term complications?

Yes, an untreated ankle sprain never heals properly, making you more vulnerable to future sprains. Over time, repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, in which your ankle becomes prone to giving out.

In addition, you can develop chronic ankle stiffness after an untreated ankle sprain, which can negatively impact the way you walk and move, potentially causing back and leg issues down the road.

Additionally, an unhealed ankle sprain could lead to a condition called post-traumatic arthritis. In this condition, arthritis develops at the site of the injury, sometimes months or even years later.

How are ankle sprains treated?

As a board-certified and fellowship-trained podiatrist and foot surgeon, Dr. Hurst is an ankle sprain expert who personalizes treatment plans for every person. 

In most cases, ankle sprains heal with conservative care, including ankle immobilization, rest, compression bandages, and anti-inflammatory treatments.

Ankle sprains can heal fully if you get the right treatment right away. If you experience an ankle injury, call Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst or click on the provided online booking feature to set up your appointment now.