Ankle Sprains

Around 25,000 people a day experience ankle sprains, according to Boston Children’s Hospital. At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, in Austin, Lakeway and Cedar Park, Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeons Pedro E. Cosculluela, MD, and Andrew M. Ebert, MD,  specialize in care for ankle sprains. They can grade your sprain and deliver the appropriate treatment to help you heal and regain mobility. Call or schedule an appointment online today to receive comprehensive ankle sprain care.

What are ankle sprains?

An ankle sprain is a painful injury that occurs when the ligaments that support your ankle joints overstretch or tear. Ligaments are flexible tissues that stabilize the joints. When these ligaments become inflamed or injured, your ankles lose the support they need to maintain proper function, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing. 

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can happen to anyone, from athletes to the elderly. While sprains can heal with rest, ice, and other home remedies, professional care is often necessary to address the injury and prevent future damage.

Are there different levels of ankle sprains?

There are three levels of ankle sprains that Dr. Cosculluela and Dr. Ebert can diagnose and treat at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute:

Grade 1

Grade 1 sprains refer to minor tearing in the ankle's supporting ligaments. If you sustain this type of sprain, you may experience slight tenderness and bruising, but you can still bear weight.

Grade 2

A grade 2 sprain means your ligament is partially torn. You can still bear weight, but it may be painful. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising usually accompany this type of sprain.

Grade 3

Grade 3 sprains are the most severe. This type of sprain means your ligament has ruptured or torn completely, destabilizing the joint. You can’t bear weight with a grade 3 sprain. Pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness are significant and typically require professional care to manage.

What are the symptoms of ankle sprains?

The symptoms of ankle sprains can vary depending on the severity of your injury. Telltale signs of an ankle sprain include:

• Pain when walking
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Swelling
• Redness
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Limited range of motion
• Numbness or tingling

If you experience a severe sprain, you may also hear or feel a popping sensation at the time of injury.

What are the treatments for ankle sprains?

Once your doctor diagnoses your sprain, they can recommend the appropriate treatment. Standard treatments for ankle sprains include:

• Immobilization (casting or bracing)
• Range of motion exercises
• Antiinflammatory medications
• Custom-made orthotics
• R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Surgery

From rest and ice to more advanced treatments, your doctor works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Call Austin Foot & Ankle Institute today or schedule an appointment online to find relief from an ankle sprain.