An ankle sprain is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist, or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue, called ligaments, that help hold your ankle bones together. Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement, so a sprain can significantly impact your mobility and stability. Many spraied ankles can be managed with self-care, but some injuries require advanced medical attention for proper recovery. Here’s information on sprains and what innovative treatment options are available:
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy Injections
For certain ankle sprain injuries, medical professionals may recommend joint-preserving approaches, and one such option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. A PRP injection procedure involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets. This PRP solution is then injected into the injured ankle area to promote healing. PRP therapy injections use the body’s natural healing components to support the repair of damaged ligament tissues.
Ankle sprains are common injuries that can happen to anyone. Some common causes include landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping, or walking or exercising on an uneven surface. Participating in sports that require quick foot and ankle movements, like basketball, tennis, or soccer, can also increase the risk of an ankle sprain.
Bracing and Immobilization
Following an ankle sprain, a period of stabilization is often necessary to allow the injured ligaments to begin healing. Bracing and immobilization serve to protect your ankle from further injury by limiting movement and providing external support. The specific type of brace you need, and the duration of its use, will depend on the sprain severity.
Immediately after spraining an ankle, a period of rest is typically advised to prevent additional stress on the injured ligaments. For mild sprains, simply reducing activity for a few days may be enough, but severe sprains often require medical care. A foot and ankle doctor may prescribe rest or bracing, as these protective measures allow inflammation to subside. Bracing and rest allow the healing process to occur without interruption.
Once the initial, acute phase of the injury has passed and a healthcare provider determines it is safe, physical therapy can be introduced. A physical therapist guides you through exercises to restore your ankle’s range of motion, strength, and stability. This therapy works to prevent future injuries. Physical therapy is a fundamental component of recovery, as it retrains the muscles and ligaments around the ankle.
Arthroplasty Surgery
In cases of severe, chronic ankle instability or damage that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, is typically reserved for advanced conditions like severe arthritis that may develop after multiple or severe sprains. More commonly for ligament injuries, a surgeon may perform a procedure to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments. The decision to proceed with surgery is made after a thorough evaluation by a specialist.
Contact an Ankle Sprain Specialist Today
Properly managing an ankle sprain aids long-term joint health and function. If you have sustained an ankle injury, contact a foot and ankle doctor for a consultation appointment. A foot and ankle specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.