People suffer from foot and ankle injuries every day. Some are due to normal wear and tear, others are due to trauma to the foot. No matter the reason, Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico at Syracuse Podiatry located in Fayetteville, New York, has treated all types of ankle and foot injuries. One of the most common ankle injuries that he treats is ankle sprains.
An ankle sprain is when the ligaments are overstretched and overexerted. When this type of pressure is put onto the ligaments, they begin to tear, swell and rupture. The ligaments are very important to your overall foot and ankle health. Ligaments connect the foot bones together to give it its shape and allow it to move. Once you sprain your ankle, the pain begins and can last for a long time.
Sprains can range from a minor sprain to a severe sprain. The severity of the sprain directly correlates to the trauma that caused the injury in the first place. If you suspect that you sprained your ankle, and feel consistent pain for more than a few days, you should consult with a podiatrist right away. If the pain you feel after spraining your ankle is severe or unbearable, you should seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Treatment
Minor sprains can be treated in the comfort of your own home. RICE is very important when it comes to healing a sprained ankle at home. Rest, ice, compression and elevation is the most recommended treatment for ankle sprains. Physical therapists may also help treat sprains by having the patient use exercises to strengthen, stretch and loosen the afflicted ligament.
Severe sprains should be seen by a podiatrist as soon as possible. Sometimes a severe sprain can lead to a torn ligament and further destruction of the surrounding structure of the foot. A podiatrist can cast the foot, refer the patient to a physical therapist, or offer other solutions to help heal the severe sprain.
If you think you may have sprained your ankle and are not sure if it is healing correctly, call Dr. D’Amico right away. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today at our office in central New York. We at Syracuse Podiatry are pledged to improve the quality of life through the treatment of foot & ankle disorders. Our team is committed to a relationship based on care, commitment, and compassion. We will always strive to enjoy what we do.