Can a Sprained Ankle Heal Without Medical Attention?

Ligaments, which are fibrous bands of tissue connecting two or more bones in a joint, keep your ankle stable. Even though your ankle ligaments are tough and adaptable, they can still be injured in a fall or by taking an incorrect step. A sprained ankle is the medical term for this problem.

A slight sprain may only produce minimal discomfort for a couple of days. A small sprain may feel better soon, but that does not indicate it has completely healed. These types of wounds require Alamo Heights podiatrist expert care, as prolonged suffering is possible without it. 

Ankle sprains: What Can Cause Them?

You will feel immediate, intense pain in your ankle when you sprain it. There could be a loud snap, or you could feel your ankle give way. Ankle sprains are rather common, and the following are some common causes:

• Falling
• Accidentally falling down the steps
• Constant motion in uncomfortable shoes
• Sporting Accident
• Extremely painful injury, such as when your foot gets caught in a door.
• There may be excruciating pain in your ankle during and immediately after the accident. 

Other symptoms, such as: 

• Bruising
• Painful, achy joints
• Motion restriction
• Swelling
• If your ankle is severely sprained, you may be unable to put weight on it. Your ankle may feel quite weak and unstable after suffering a severe sprain.

Understanding how to care for a sprained ankle

Most people can not deny the presence of sprained ankle symptoms. Thus, medical attention should not be delayed. A podiatric examination can ensure a correct diagnosis, even if you only suspect a small sprain, allowing you to receive the appropriate treatment. Your doctor may suggest any of the following treatments, depending on your specific condition:

• Rest

Most sprains can be treated at home with rest and ice, but you should still know what to do. Typically, Your doctor and their staff will advise you to take it easy for a few days and avoid putting any pressure on the ankle. They might also suggest using ice periodically during the day to ease any discomfort or swelling.

• Medication

Your doctors may recommend pain medication if your sprain is particularly bad. They may also advise a brace, cast, or compression wrapping to aid with stabilizing your ankle while you resume your regular activities.

• Orthopedic treatment

Ankle sprains are another injury for which frequent physical therapy is advised. Regaining strength via rehabilitation can lessen the likelihood of developing ongoing instability in the ankle and boost the likelihood of a full recovery after an ankle injury.

• Surgery

Your doctor may advise surgery if he discovers a serious tear in a ligament or if you are at risk for developing ankle instability. Your doctor will perform minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Patients typically recover more quickly because less tissue is sliced and less blood is lost during laparoscopic surgery.