A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments and most commonly affects the ankle. Dr. Marc Feder, Dr. Jason Kalk, and Dr. Jacob Richey are podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., with an office located in Chicago, IL. They can provide expert care for your ankle sprain.

A ligament is a tough band of fibrous tissue connecting two bones in your joints, and when it is overstretched or tears, it leads to a sprain. When the sprain is mild, you can treat it at home with rest, ice, elevation, and compression. However, when an ankle sprain is more severe, you may need surgery to repair the damaged ligament.

Ankle Sprain Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the sprain, the symptoms experienced will vary, but they may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Limited ability to move the ankle
• Bruising
• "Pop" felt or heard at the time of injury

When Should You See a Podiatrist

You may be able to treat a mild sprain in the comfort of your home. Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey of Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., in Chicago, IL, are experienced podiatrists who will evaluate you for a possible ankle sprain by performing a physical exam to determine the best treatment plan for you. The injury can cause serious issues, such as ankle fractures, so it is best not to wait to see a doctor. There are signs and symptoms to look for that indicate a more severe sprain that requires medical attention.

You need to see a doctor if you:

• Are unable to move or bear weight on the ankle
• Feel pain directly over the bones of the ankle
• Experience numbness or tingling in any part of the ankle

Causes of Ankle Sprains

When you overextend or tear a ligament in your ankle, a sprain occurs and is often caused by walking, running, or exercising on an uneven surface, or landing awkwardly after a jump.

Other risk factors can contribute to sprains, and they include:

• Fatigue: When a muscle is tired, they are not at their best to support your ankle. It is also more susceptible to succumb to forces causing stress on the joint.
• Environmental conditions: When an uneven surface is made worse by being wet and slippery, you become more prone to injury.
• Inadequate equipment: If your footwear is ill-fitting or poorly maintained, it can lead to poor support of your ankle. If you use faulty exercise equipment, it can also lead to an injury.

Treatment for An Ankle Sprain

Depending on the severity, you may be able to perform self-care of a sprain with just rest, ice, elevation, and compression. You may also take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with the pain. With time, you will be able to use the ankle again.

When you experience an ankle sprain, you can count on the podiatrists' team at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., Dr. Feder, Dr. Kalk, and Dr. Richey, located in Chicago, IL, to provide expert care for your ankle sprain. Please call them for an appointment today at (773) 202-8800.

Have you experienced an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains are painful. They can be debilitating and lead to severe foot issues if not addressed as soon as possible. If you've experienced prolonged ankle pain, you'll need to talk to your Chicago, IL, podiatrist at Affiliated Podiatrists for more information.

More About Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains aren't just because you lost your balance. It can be a result of playing sports or walking and/or running on uneven surfaces.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common foot injuries. They are usually accompanied by: swelling, severe pain, bruising, ankle instability, tenderness, limping and limited range of motion

Bone fractures are sometimes confused with ankle sprains. This is extremely important to prevent severe long-term repercussions. Only your Chicago doctor can properly diagnose an ankle sprain. They will physical and visual exam, as well as x-rays to detect the problem in your ankle.

There are several things that lead to ankle sprains, including:

• Losing your balance while walking, which may result in pain, your ankle twists inward due to an unexpected movement
• A tear, or stretch in one or more of your ligaments

How do you treat an ankle sprain?

Rehabilitating your ankle after you can stand on it is necessary. Your doctor may provide you with certain exercises to strengthen your: flexibility, muscles, ligaments, coordination and balance.

Treating your sprained ankle properly will increase the rate of your recovery.

All you need to remember is RICE:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compress
• Elevate

In addition to RICE, avoid overexerting your ankle. Walking, jogging, running, and other activities will come back after your rehabilitation and recovery process.

Are you in need of a consultation?

For more information on how to deal with sprained ankles, just call your Chicago, IL, podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists, today at (773) 202-8800.