How to Keep an Ankle Sprain From Becoming Chronic Instability

Your ankle bears all of the weight of your body, and it’s a joint that’s used every single day. 

While a sprained ankle may seem like a minor injury, if it’s left untreated or is not treated properly, it can all too easily lead to chronic instability. 

This is not something to ignore and think will go away on its own. Getting it checked out as soon as you can, right after an injury, is the smartest thing to do. 

With a team of trained ankle specialists and offices in both Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers are here for the immediate relief of your pain. 

RICE should be your very first step at home, especially if there is any delay in getting in to see us. That’s rest, ice, compression and elevation. When you come in for your appointment, we’ll discuss regular treatment for your ankle so that it doesn’t develop into something worse. 

Sprained ankle symptoms

What’s particularly frustrating is that you can sprain your ankle from simply walking. If you’re on uneven ground or step off a curb in the wrong way, it’s easy to land awkwardly and twist an ankle. 

We also see athletes who play basketball, football, tennis, or soccer coming in with sprained ankles. This is because those sports often require sudden movements and turns that make it more likely to twist or roll your ankle. 

You can usually tell if your ankle is sprained if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness or bruising
• Tenderness
• Instability
• Difficulty walking
• Unable to put weight on ankle

Sprained ankle and chronic instability treatments

Having a sprained ankle means you’ve done damage to the ligaments that support your ankle. Catching this early can prevent the condition from becoming chronic instability, which means you’re constantly experiencing the symptoms above, and twisting or rolling your ankle often.

Stabilizing and strengthening the ankle to avoid recurring sprains is the goal. We always start out conservatively in our treatments, using the RICE method for mild sprains. 

Your provider might also immobilize your ankle by putting you in a brace or a boot while it heals. However, if the ligament is torn, surgery might be required. 

Once you’re healed, we recommend specific exercises, physical therapy, stretching and daily strengthening techniques for you to follow to prevent future injuries. 

With an ankle injury, timing is very important. While you can immediately start the RICE method at home, it’s best to let us examine you as soon as possible to prevent further injury. Call us or use the Request Appointment tool to come in for an evaluation now.