An ankle sprain is an injury that you need to take care of immediately because the consequences of an unhealed sprain are chronic instability. An unstable ankle can lead to repeated rolling of the joint, potentially causing further injury and necessitating surgery.
If you're rolling your ankles and aren't sure why, Dr. David Ball and the Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico team can help.
At the Roswell, New Mexico, practice, Dr. Ball provides diagnostic tools, conservative treatments, and foot and ankle surgery for ankle sprains and other podiatric concerns.
A rolled ankle is essentially an ankle sprain. It describes any motion that causes the ankle to turn unnaturally, resulting in ligament tears or stretching beyond their capacity.
You can roll your ankle from stepping off a curb incorrectly, walking on uneven ground, or when playing sports that require sudden direction changes. People with foot deformities or poor balance are at risk of rolled ankles.
Rolled or sprained ankles vary in severity from grade one to grade three. A grade one sprain is when the ligaments stretch too far, while a grade three sprain results in completely torn ligaments.
The most significant issue with an ankle sprain is the potential for it to happen again. When it doesn't heal correctly, the ankle remains unstable, resulting in repeated sprains.
Chronic ankle instability is a risk after an ankle sprain if it doesn't heal correctly. The ligaments on the outer aspect of the ankle become weak, making them prone to reinjury and chronic pain or swelling that lasts for six months after the injury.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of chronic ankle instability after an ankle sprain averages 25% and up to 46% after repeated sprains.
The most common reason for chronic ankle instability is repetitive ankle sprains or ligament injuries. Without proper rehabilitation, the ligaments don't heal completely, allowing them to give way easily.
Chronic ankle instability can lead to various symptoms, including pain around the joint, swelling, and a feeling of the ankle being loose or wobbly. You're at risk for repeated sprains with chronic instability, resulting in a vicious cycle of injury.
It's crucial to get treatment for an ankle sprain as soon as possible to prevent chronic ankle instability, but it can still happen. If you feel as though your ankle is giving out, Dr. Ball provides a fast diagnosis and expert treatment.
He examines the ankle and joint to determine the severity of the sprain or instability. He also orders imaging studies to evaluate the tissues within the ankle joint.
Once he determines that chronic ankle instability is the reason for your symptoms and repeated ankle rolling, Dr. Ball offers various treatment options. He often recommends conservative measures as the first line for mild to moderate ankle instability.
Physical therapy is the most effective treatment option for ankle instability and sprains. The goal is to strengthen the ligaments to prevent further injury. We provide exercises to improve strength, balance, and mobility, enhancing overall function around the injury.
Pain medications to control inflammation and bracing may also be necessary to prevent injury while the ligaments heal.
Severe ankle sprains that involve a completely torn ligament along with significant instability may warrant surgery. Dr. Ball discusses surgical options if you have a severe injury or repeated instability that doesn't resolve with conservative treatments.
Surgical repair involves Dr. Ball repairing or reconstructing the torn ligaments to create stability within the joint. Rehabilitation is crucial after ankle surgery to prevent further complications and promote a full recovery.
To learn more about our ankle sprain treatments, please call our Roswell, New Mexico office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ball or request one online through our website.
