Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs when the fibrous ligaments outside your ankle are stretched or torn after rolling the ankle inwards. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, or a feeling of giving way. 

Ankle sprains typically occur during athletic activity or when someone steps wrong. Once you experience an ankle sprain, you are more likely to have another one at some point in the future due to ligament laxity.

While the time-honored treatment acronym of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may be appropriate for the first days following significant injuries. Newer research supports movement as quickly as the injury allows. Early gentle movement is crucial because it flushes waste products out of the area with fresh, nutrient-rich blood and places light loads on the new ligament, which helps it to grow in a more organized fashion. Early implementation of in-office therapies like joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and modalities are crucial to speeding your recovery.