Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries podiatrists see and can occur to anyone, whether you are involved in sports, or simply walking down the street. When you sprain your ankle, ligaments supporting the joint may become overstretched or torn, resulting in inflammation, pain, tenderness, and bruising. With rest, icing, compression and elevation, most sprains heal normally, but many people do not seek help from foot care specialists to determine the extent of the injury. What results are improperly healed sprains, which can lead to frequent ankle sprains, a condition referred to as chronic ankle instability.

So what can be done to prevent and treat them?

• Since chronic ankle instability is often caused by an ankle sprain healing incorrectly, it is important to always seek medical attention from a podiatrist when an injury occurs. With advanced technology and a trained eye, a foot care specialist can determine what kind of treatment is necessary for a complete cure.
• If you have chronic ankle instability, the muscles and ligaments surrounding the ankle joint may be loose or weak. Physical therapy and balance training exercises can help strengthen these muscles to prevent future sprains.
• Using an ankle brace can also be helpful in preventing further injuries. Foot ankle braces are orthotics placed in the shoe to help stabilize the ankle joint.
• For severe cases of ankle instability in which the ligaments are overstretched and loose, surgery may be performed to shorten and tighten the ligaments. Sometimes a tendon from the lower leg is used as a ligament on the outer ankle.

In order to find the best prevention and treatment plan, it is important to see an experienced, dedicated, and respected podiatrist. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico of Syracuse Podiatry has been serving patients in Central New York to overcome their foot and ankle problems, whether it’s heel pain, a diabetic foot issue, bunions or hammertoes. Dr. D’Amico specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, so you can trust that he will work with you to form the best treatment for your individual needs. Please contact us or call our office in Fayetteville at (315) 446-3668 to make an appointment today!