Ankle Sprains Need to Heal Properly

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Ankle sprains and strains are among the most common injuries and many people  underestimate the seriousness of future complications of an ankle sprain that isn’t allowed to heal properly. This includes the development of chronic ankle instability, which increases the likelihood of additional ankle injuries occuring. 

While it may be tempting for athletes who want to get back in the game, the fact is that just because your ankle may be feeling a little better doesn’t mean that the injury has properly healed. 

Proper healing of a severe ankle sprain can take many months and requires initial immobilization followed by slow and careful strengthening using physical therapy exercises. Sometimes an ankle sprain is accompanied by a stress fracture, so it’s very important to have a complete evaluation performed by your foot doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

3 tips to avoid and treat ankle sprains and strains:

  1. Flexibility and strengthening exercises—You can perform a simple ankle strengthening exercise by wrapping a towel around your foot and pulling on the ends as you rotate your foot. Your foot doctor can recommend a variety of other exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
  2. Proper warming up and stretching—Always warm up before exercising and add flexibility movements that incorporate your legs, hips, and back.
  3. Increase workouts at a slow pace—Start a new exercise program slowly and carefully. A major cause of foot and ankle injuries is to push too hard at the beginning before your muscles and joints have had time to adjust to the stress level.

If your ankle sprain doesn’t significantly improve after a few days of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, see your podiatrist. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg,  E.J. Nemet, DPM, treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions. With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.

Common Foot Conditions, Sports InjuriesE.J. NEMET DPM, LLC