Sprained Ankle Treatment in Melbourne, Victoria

What is a Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle is caused by stretching or tearing the ligaments in your ankle, most commonly the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect your bones to each other and provide support for your joints. There are three types of ankle sprains, each with varying degrees of severity.

Causes and Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle can occur due to sudden movements that make the ankle roll or twist during physical activity, landing awkwardly on the foot, walking or running on an uneven surface, falling or tripping when walking or exercising, wearing inappropriate or poorly fitting shoes, or weak ankle muscles or ligaments. Symptoms of a sprained ankle include pain or tenderness in and around the ankle, swelling, stiffness, bruising, limited range of motion, and a popping or snapping sensation and/or sound during the injury.

Diagnosing a Sprained Ankle

To diagnose a sprained ankle, a podiatrist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your ankle and foot, checking for swelling, bruising, tenderness, your range of motion, and your ability to bear weight on your ankle. Advanced diagnostic tools such as an X-ray, MRI, or musculoskeletal ultrasound may also be used to assess the exact nature and severity of your injury.

Treatment of a Sprained Ankle

The severity of your sprain will determine your treatment. Mild sprains may only require rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) along with over-the-counter pain relief medication prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Moderate sprains may require immobilisation of the ankle joint with a brace, cast, or walking boot, as well as physical therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Severe sprains may require surgery, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.

Prevention and Tips for Recovery

Preventing a sprained ankle isn't always possible, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of injury. Wearing appropriate footwear, ankle taping or braces, warming up and stretching before physical activity, and increasing activity gradually are all effective ways to prevent a sprained ankle. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises are also essential in treating a sprained ankle, helping to reduce pain and inflammation, improve flexibility and range of motion, and restore strength and function to the affected ankle.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It's important to consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any severe, persistent, or recurring symptoms, such as moderate to severe pain that doesn't improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medication, swelling that doesn't go down with ice or elevation above chest level, difficulty putting weight on the affected ankle or foot, or numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected foot or ankle.

At Align Health Collective in Melbourne, VIC, we understand that sprained ankles can be painful and frustrating to deal with, which is why our dedicated podiatrists provide the highest level of care and support throughout your consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. With proper care and treatment, most people with a sprained ankle can return to their daily activities and sports within a few weeks.

What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?

limited range of motion, and a popping or snapping sensation and/or sound during the injury.

How is a sprained ankle diagnosed?

A podiatrist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your ankle and foot, checking for swelling, bruising, tenderness, range of motion, and your ability to bear weight on your ankle. Advanced diagnostic tools such as an X-ray, MRI, or musculoskeletal ultrasound may also be used to assess the exact nature and severity of your injury.

What is the treatment for a sprained ankle?

The severity of your sprain will determine your treatment. Mild sprains may only require rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) along with over-the-counter pain relief medication prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Moderate sprains may require immobilisation of the ankle joint with a brace, cast, or walking boot, as well as physical therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Severe sprains may require surgery, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.

How long does it take to recover from a sprained ankle?

The recovery time for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may heal within a few days to a week, while moderate to severe sprains may take several weeks to several months to heal completely.

Can a sprained ankle lead to chronic ankle instability?

Yes, if left untreated, a sprained ankle can turn into chronic ankle instability, long-term pain, and a higher risk of future sprains.

Can a sprained ankle be prevented?

Preventing a sprained ankle isn't always possible, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of injury, such as wearing appropriate footwear, ankle taping or braces, warming up and stretching before physical activity, and increasing activity gradually.

When should I seek medical attention for a sprained ankle?

It's important to consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any severe, persistent, or recurring symptoms, such as moderate to severe pain that doesn't improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medication, swelling that doesn't go down with ice or elevation above chest level, difficulty putting weight on the affected ankle or foot, or numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected foot or ankle.

What kind of physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises are used in treating a sprained ankle?

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises are essential in treating a sprained ankle and can include range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, balance and stability exercises, as well as other treatments such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound therapy.