Sprained Ankle Specialist

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is one of the most common soft tissue injuries and often occurs when your ankle bends, twists or rolls in an awkward or unnatural way. A sprain means that the awkward motion has caused the ligaments — strong bands of tissue that hold your joints together — to stretch or tear. The more severe the damage is to your ligament, the more serious the sprain.

Most sprains occur to the outer edge of the foot, where the ligaments are most vulnerable. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of your sprain. Minor sprains can usually be treated at home with ice and rest, while more severe sprains should be evaluated by Dr. Nejat.

How do I know if I have sprained my ankle?

Ankle sprains are almost always the result of an injury. If you slip, fall, or roll your ankle, and begin to experience any of these symptoms, it’s probably a sprain:

• Pain, especially when trying to bear weight on the affected ankle
• Tenderness when you touch the ankle
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Restricted range of motion
• Instability in the ankle
• A “popping” sensation or sound at the moment of injury

If the pain is severe, if the joint appears deformed, or if you feel bone moving in your ankle, you may have a fracture and need medical attention as soon as possible.

How is a sprained ankle treated?

Whether your injury has recently occurred or your ankle is taking too long to heal, Dr. Nejat can help you get back to full strength. If you think you may have a sprain, Dr. Nejat evaluates the severity of your injury and checks for signs of fracture. If your sprain is determined to be a mild or moderate injury, he may recommend you return home and use the R.I.C.E. method to treat it, meaning:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression with an elastic bandage
• Elevate your ankle above your body, to reduce swelling

Dr. Nejat also offers rehab and physical therapy services to help lead you to a full recovery, and helps educate you to employ new techniques to avoid future injury.

Dr. Nejat is one of the leading podiatrists in the Greater Los Angeles area, with specialized training and certification in podiatric surgery. If you’ve sprained your ankle, call the Podiatry Institute of Southern California today, and see how Dr. Nejat can help you.