What can podiatry offer patients who have sprained ankles? Drs. Matthew Hinderland and Jordan Cameron, your Colorado Springs and Monument, CO, podiatrists, offer patients the care they need.
A sprained ankle occurs when strong ligaments at the ankle overextend themselves and tear. Ankle sprains are usually minor and can heal with home treatments like rest. If you can barely walk and your ankle is swollen, you may need to speak with your Colorado Springs and Monument doctor.
If you don't receive proper treatment and rehabilitation, your ankle may be weakened and you may develop other long-term problems, including chronic ankle pain, arthritis and consistent instability.
What causes sprained ankles?
Everyday activities like walking or running may result in a sprained ankle if your ankle twists unexpectedly. Make sure you walk and exercise on even surfaces to reduce the risk of spraining your ankle.
Symptoms of Sprained Ankles
If the pain is too severe to tolerate, then you need to visit your Colorado Springs and Monument podiatrist. They'll use stress x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and ultrasound to diagnose the severity of the problem.
In case you suffer from an ankle sprain, follow the RICE protocol.
Other treatment options include using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help control pain and swelling. There are other nonsurgical treatments like using crutches and physical therapy.
Surgical Treatments
Podiatry also offers surgical treatment for ankle sprains like arthroscopy, where the podiatrist removes loose fragments of bone or cartilage. Podiatrists then reconstruct, immobilize and rehabilitate sprained ankles.
If you would like to learn more about what podiatry can do to help your sprained ankle, contact Drs. Matthew Hinderland and Jordan Cameron of Colorado Springs and Monument, CO, today!
