Ankle Sprain? Get Help Right Away

Some icy weather in Middlesex and Greater Hartford counties in recent weeks has resulted in a rash of ankle sprains being seen here at Connecticut Foot Care Centers. If you suffer an ankle-twisting injury, signs that your ankle might be sprained include:

• Pain or soreness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness

It may also be difficult to walk or bear weight on the injured ankle. However, many patients mistakenly think that if they can walk on it, their ankle must not be sprained. This is not true and keeps patients from getting the prompt medical attention needed.

Why Immediate Care is Necessary

Rehabilitation of an ankle sprain that is started right away brings the best and most complete recovery. Contact one of our six Hartford and Middlesex County offices for an appointment. Until you can be seen, follow the RICE regimen: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation to minimize pain and swelling. Consequences of not being seen promptly are:

• Missing a more severe injury, such as a fracture, that may have occurred as a result of the same injury.
• A chance that the ankle will not heal completely. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments get overstretched. While your ankle may feel well enough to resume regular activities, if it hasn’t been fully rehabilitated, the ligament will remain loose, increasing the likelihood of another sprain. Over time, chronic ankle instability may develop.

Treatment Options

Once our podiatrists Jeffrey S. Kahn, D.P.M., Craig M. Kaufman, D.P.M., Ayman M. Latif, D.P.M. and Raffaella R. Pascarella, D.P.M. examine your ankle and discuss your symptoms and the circumstances of the injury, they will begin to formulate a diagnosis. X-rays or other imaging studies may also be ordered to get a clearer picture of the condition of the ankle. The treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain, but will likely include rest, physical therapy and possibly medication.