Sprained Ankle Doctor in New York

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle happens when your ankle moves in an unnatural way that pulls the supportive ligaments beyond their ability. It’s a common injury that tends to occur in athletes, but can happen to any person at any age. Depending on how the ankle moves during the injury, it’s categorized as a certain kind of sprain:

  • Inversion ankle sprain – when the ankle moves outward and the foot moves under the body
  • Eversion ankle sprains – when the ankle rolls inward and the foot moves out to the side of the body

With proper care and rest, a sprained ankle can often heal on its own. However, a severe sprain will usually require medical attention. An ankle specialist at Specialty Orthopaedics can help you get back to full ankle function with a safe and speedy recovery plan.

What causes a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle could happen anytime your ankle or leg is moved in a way that strains your ligaments. Some people suffer from ankle instability – sometimes because of a past injury – making them more susceptible to an ankle sprain. The most common causes for a sprained ankle include sports and activities such as:

  • Running
  • Soccer
  • Gymnastics
  • Football
  • Baseball / softball
  • Basketball

What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?

Visit an orthopedic specialist at Specialty Orthopaedics if you are experiencing any of the following ankle sprain symptoms:

  • Ankle pain
  • Intense pain in ankle following a twist or fall
  • Ankle swelling
  • Ankle redness or bruising
  • A popping or crunching sound during ankle injury
  • Difficulty moving the ankle
  • Difficulty and pain bearing weight on the ankle

How is a sprained ankle diagnosed?

One of our fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors can assist you in determining whether your ankle is sprained and if there is any serious damage. During an evaluation, one of our doctors will examine the affected ankle and ask you questions about how the injury occurred and your symptoms. We will most likely need to conduct an imaging test to ensure that there is no serious damage to your ankle bones or surrounding tissues. These tests may include:

  • MRI scans
  • X-rays
  • CT scans

How is a sprained ankle treated?

In many cases, a sprained ankle can be treated using non-surgical approaches. Depending on the severity of your injury, we might recommend:

  • Ice
  • Rest
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Casting / splinting
  • Pain medications
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Elevation
  • Physical therapy

In cases where the ligament damage is too severe to heal on its own, we may recommend a minimally invasive ankle repair surgery, known as ankle arthroscopy.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a sprained ankle, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of orthopedic specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.

Dr. Yasmin Dhar

Dr. Yasmin Dhar

Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery Specialist

Dr. Jared Littlejohn, DPM

Foot & Ankle Specialist

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