Frequent Ankle Sprains May Lead to Chronic Ankle Instability
Ankle sprains are so common that more than 25,000 Americans suffer one each day!
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that attach your ankle bones to the leg bones are stretched too far or torn. A sprain most often occurs when the foot is forced onto the side so the bottom of the foot faces the opposite leg, severely stretching the outside ligament.
A sprained ankle causes pain in the ankle and also in the lower leg and foot. The area of the sprain will swell and display bruising.
Sports that involve a lot of jumping and twisting like basketball can cause an ankle sprain, but something as simple as stepping the wrong way off of a curb can also cause this injury.
Don’t Ignore a Sprained Ankle
Just because sprained ankles are so common doesn’t mean that they are trivial. Too often we return to our usual activities when the pain can be tolerated, but the ankle may not be healed enough to endure workouts or even just walking.
When multiple ankle sprains are ignored, the joint can become chronically unstable. This condition can cause poor balance and you may even alter your gait to compensate, leading to issues when exercising. Limiting exercising can lead to a decline in fitness and can cause arthritis too.
Sprained ankles require rest and no weight-bearing. Use ice to reduce swelling. Please come see us if the pain and swelling persist, as you may need more than ice to bring your ankle back to full function. Physical therapy can help strengthen ligaments and joints.
How To Avoid Chronic Ankle Sprains
Prevent sprains by:
- Wearing the proper footwear for each sport.
- Beginning exercise programs slowly and practicing carefully before ramping up speed and endurance.
- Stretching before and after each workout.
- Improving balance with tai chi or other balance-specific exercises.
- Improving ankle strength with exercises. Wrapping a towel around your foot and rotating it in all directions can build flexibility too.
We Can Help with Your Foot or Ankle Pain
For any type of foot or ankle pain, call us. Foot pain is not normal! If you have pain from bunions or any other foot or ankle condition or have suffered any type of foot injury, please call Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker or Dr. Peter C. Merrill at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. Our professional staff offers expert podiatry services at three Pima County offices: Tucson, Oro Valley and Green Valley. Please call us today at (520) 575-0800 to schedule your appointment.
