ANKLE SPRAINS

Our orthopedic practices provide treatment for ankle sprains in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, South Carolina so that you can get back to your active lifestyle! An ankle sprain occurs when an individual rolls, twists, or turns their ankle awkwardly. Doing this can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together. Ligaments help to stabilize joints and prevent excessive movement, and when a sprain occurs, it is because the ligaments were forced beyond their normal range of motion. Most ankle sprains affect the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, and causes can include:

• A fall that causes the ankle to twist
  
• Landing awkwardly on the foot after jumping or pivoting
  
• Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
  
• Another person stepping on or landing on the foot or ankle
  

Symptoms of a sprained ankle will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some of the signs of an ankle sprain are:

• Pain, especially when putting weight on the injured ankle
  
• Tenderness when touching the ankle
  
• Swelling
  
• Bruising
  
• Restricted range of motion
  
• Instability in the ankle
  
• A popping sound when the injury occurs
  

While it may be tempting to just “walk off” an ankle sprain, this should be avoided. An ankle sprain can weaken the surrounding tissues, leading to instability of the ankle and increasing the possibility of another injury occurring in the future. A severe sprain or repeated sprains can even cause conditions like osteoarthritis later in life.

Ankle sprains are a common injury in both athletes and people who are casually active, and most individuals will experience an ankle sprain or two in their lifetime. With treatment from Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, you can recover from your ankle sprain in Charleston or Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy!

While ankle sprains are extremely common, statistics show that the majority of people who suffer this injury do not seek medical treatment. While it may be tempting to just “walk off” an ankle sprain, it is important to seek professional care from a sports medicine doctor to ensure proper healing and to reduce the risk of future injury. Ankle sprains can weaken surrounding tissues in the ankle and foot, leading to ankle instability and increasing the chance of re-injury. Additionally, one severe sprain or repeat ankle sprains increase the chance of developing conditions like osteoarthritis later in life.

An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are stretched too far. In some cases, the ligaments can even completely tear. Common sprained ankle symptoms include swelling around the ankle, bruising, and general instability. Ankle sprains are classified on a grade scale, ranging from least severe to most severe:

• Grade I Ankle Sprain: The least severe ankle sprain, this injury involves an overstretched or partially torn ligament. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and instability, though the patient is usually able to walk with minimal pain and discomfort.
  
• Grade II Ankle Sprain: More severe than a grade I ankle sprain but still an incomplete ligament tear, a grade II sprain will likely cause pain and swelling, often accompanied by bruising and difficulty walking.
  
• Grade III Ankle Sprain: The most severe ankle sprain, this injury involves a full tear of one or more of the supporting ligaments in the ankle. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and bruising along the foot and ankle. A grade III ankle sprain will make the ankle highly unstable, and many patients will find it impossible to walk. The swollen area may also be sensitive to touch.
  

Don’t just walk off your ankle sprain in Mount Pleasant or Charleston! Come see the orthopedic team at Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for treatment of your injury so that you can quickly heal and get back to your active lifestyle. Call us today at (843) 936-0715 to schedule an appointment.