Ankle Sprain services offered in Holladay and West Jordan, UT
If you have severe or ongoing ankle pain, along with swelling or bruising, you could have an ankle sprain. Serving the entire Salt Lake City community and surrounding areas at Salt Lake City Foot and Ankle Clinic in Holladay and West Jordan, Utah, our podiatrists Christiaan Goebel, DPM, Weston Packard, DPM, and their expert team treat ankle sprains to speed up healing and reduce your discomfort. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Ankle Sprain Q&A
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a common type of ankle injury in which ligaments that hold your ankle bones together stretch or tear. You could have an ankle sprain after rolling, turning, or twisting your ankle in an abnormal way. Treatment helps reduce unpleasant symptoms and maximize healing.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
If you have an ankle sprain, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Ankle pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Redness
- Warmth
- Bruising
- Reduced ability to bear weight on your foot
- Tenderness
- Instability
- Weakness
You may hear popping or crunching sounds at the time of an ankle sprain. Your sprain might be mild and go away on its own or severe and crippling. See the Salt Lake City Foot and Ankle Clinic team for an evaluation if you have a severe sprain or pain that lingers.
What are the risk factors for ankle sprains?
The main risk factors for ankle sprains include:
- Falls
- Walking on uneven surfaces
- Ill-fitting footwear
- Landing awkwardly
- Jumping
- Pivoting
- Playing contact sports
- Older age
- Previous ankle injury
- Lack of physical activity
The best ways to reduce the risk of a sprained ankle is to warm up properly before playing sports, wear comfortable shoes, and get regular exercise (but don’t overtrain). Doing balance exercises can strengthen tissues in your ankle to further reduce the risk of injuries.
How does my provider diagnose an ankle sprain?
To find out if you have an ankle sprain, your Salt Lake City Foot and Ankle Clinic provider asks about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They evaluate your ankle during a physical exam and may recommend X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or an ultrasound to get an in-depth view of the inside of your ankle joint.
How are ankle sprains treated?
Your personalized ankle sprain treatment plan could include:
- Rest
- Ultrasound therapy
- Laser therapy
- Bracing
- Splinting
- Compression
- Ice or heat packs
- Elevation
- Custom orthotics
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Your provider suggests conservative treatments whenever possible but offers surgical options in the case of a severe ankle injury. They tailor each treatment based on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle and make changes to your plan if necessary to ensure long-lasting pain relief.
To find out if you have a sprained ankle and get treated for your injury, call the Salt Lake City Foot and Ankle Clinic office or use the online scheduler today.