Even if you never set foot on a soccer field, tennis court, or baseball diamond, the odds are quite good that you will sprain an ankle at some point in your life. Sure, these injuries happen rather easily when making a sudden move in an intense game, but sometimes all it takes is misjudging a curb or stair, or stepping in an indentation in the lawn.
Ankle sprains are so commonplace that they might not seem like a big deal, but the fact is that returning to activity before complete ankle sprain recovery can potentially lead to future sprains or more severe issues in the future.
If you think that you have sprained an ankle, the first step is to use basic first aid care. This means removing yourself from the physical activity that caused the injury and then following the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Next, contact our Austin, TX office for a proper diagnosis. Ankle fractures and sprains have similar symptoms and you will want to know which injury has been sustained.
Once we have determined that the injury is in fact a sprain, we will provide a treatment plan centered on rest and treating the symptoms (pain, inflammation). It is extremely important to follow our directions and not resume activity too soon. Basically, your body needs time to heal itself properly, and failure to do so increases the risk of developing unstable ankles in the long term. While we can provide the treatment you need for this problem, we hope you are able to avoid chronic ankle instability by allowing your sprain to recover completely before you resume physical activities.
Are You Looking for an Ankle Sprain Specialist in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for ankle sprain care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
