Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply navigating uneven ground, ankle injuries can happen to anyone. From mild sprains to complex fractures, these injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. At our podiatry office, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating ankle injuries to help you recover fully and prevent long-term complications.
Common Types of Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries typically fall into three categories:
- Sprains: Damage to the ligaments caused by overstretching or tearing. These are the most common and range from mild to severe.
- Strains: Injury to muscles or tendons around the ankle.
- Fractures: Breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint.
Each type of injury requires a different approach to treatment, and proper diagnosis is key to recovery.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to consult a podiatrist:
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Pain when walking or standing
- Instability or a feeling of the ankle “giving out”
- A popping sound at the time of injury
Even if you can walk on the injured ankle, that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Many people continue walking with torn ligaments or undetected fractures, which can worsen the damage.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Ignoring an ankle injury can lead to:
- Chronic instability: Ligaments that don’t heal properly can cause repeat sprains and balance issues.
- Arthritis: Improper healing can accelerate joint degeneration and stiffness.
- Foot deformities: Misalignment can affect gait and posture, leading to pain in the knees, hips, or back.
- Persistent pain and swelling: Lingering symptoms may indicate incomplete healing or tendon inflammation.
Treatment Options
Dr. Rappette and Dr. Pandya offer comprehensive care tailored to your injury:
- RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation for initial management.
- Bracing and Immobilization: To stabilize the joint and promote healing.
- Custom Orthotics: To support proper alignment and prevent reinjury.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and proprioception.
- Surgical Evaluation: For severe ligament tears or fractures that don’t respond to conservative treatment.
Prevention Tips
Protect your ankles with these proactive strategies:
- Wear supportive footwear with good ankle stability.
- Replace worn-out shoes regularly.
- Warm up before physical activity with dynamic stretches.
- Strengthen your ankles with balance and resistance exercises.
- Use ankle braces if you’ve had previous sprains or instability.
- Schedule an ankle evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Ankle injuries are more than just a temporary setback—they can lead to long-term complications if not properly treated. Whether you’re dealing with a recent sprain or chronic ankle pain, Dr. Rappette and Dr. Pandya are here to help you heal and stay active. Schedule an appointment today at our Yorkville or Morris location to ensure your ankle gets the care it deserves.
