Sprained Ankle – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an ankle sprain usually starts with a hands-on checkup. The healthcare provider will examine your ankle, foot, and lower leg, pressing gently to find sore spots.
They’ll move your ankle around to see which motions hurt and to spot any joint instability. This gives them a sense of how much the ligaments have stretched or torn.
During a physical exam, they typically look for:
- Tenderness near the ankle ligaments (like the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, or posterior talofibular ligaments)
- Range of motion in your ankle joint
They’ll also check for swelling, bruising, or signs of ligament damage. Stability tests help them figure out if it’s a severe sprain or if you might face chronic problems down the line.
If your pain is extremely severe or indicates a serious issue, such as a fracture, they may request imaging tests for better evaluation.
| Imaging Test | Main Purpose | What It Detects |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Checks for bone injuries | Ankle fracture, joint problems |
| MRI scan | Evaluates soft tissues | Ligament tears, musculoskeletal injuries |
| CT scan | Looks at bone structures in detail | Complex joint or ankle fracture |
| Ultrasound | Views tissues during movement | Tendon and ligament health |
They may use tests like the anterior drawer test to assess ligament stability after a sports injury or fall.
Your provider can determine if you have a minor sprain, a severe sprain, a high ankle sprain, or a fracture by examining the exam results and scans.
This step keeps treatment on track and helps you avoid long-term trouble.
Treatment
Taking Care of Yourself
Most ankle sprains get better at home with the R.I.C.E. method:
- Rest: Stay off your ankle as much as you can. Don’t put weight on it until the pain starts to ease.
- Ice: Use an ice pack or cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. This can help with swelling and numb the pain a bit. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, check with a doctor before icing.
- Compression: Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage to help control swelling. Don’t pull it too tight—cutting off circulation is the last thing you want. Start at your toes and work upward.
- Elevation: Prop your ankle up on pillows so it sits above your heart, especially when you’re lying down. This helps keep swelling in check.
These steps usually do the trick for mild to moderate sprains and can help you bounce back faster.
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
You can manage ankle pain with over-the-counter meds. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium lower pain and swelling. Acetaminophen works if NSAIDs don’t suit you.
Here’s a quick look at the options:
| Medication | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (NSAID) | Pain and swelling | Might cause stomach upset |
| Naproxen (NSAID) | Pain and swelling | Lasts a bit longer |
| Acetaminophen | Pain relief | Not an anti-inflammatory |
Stick to the instructions on the package, or check with your provider if you’re not sure what’s safest.
Braces, Supports, and Mobility Aids
If you need to keep weight off your ankle, crutches might come in handy for a few days. For less serious sprains, an ankle brace or elastic wrap can give you some support.
Some folks use sports tape for extra stability.
For worse injuries:
- Walking boots or casts might be needed to keep your ankle still while it heals.
- These supports help prevent more damage and can make recovery go smoother.
Your healthcare provider will pick what works best based on how bad the sprain is.
Exercise, Stretching, and Rehabilitation
As swelling and pain fade, you’ll want to start moving your ankle again. Your doctor or a physical therapist may suggest:
- Gentle stretches to get your flexibility back
- Strengthening moves for your ankle muscles
They might add balance drills, like standing on one foot.
These exercises help you regain movement and cut down your risk of another sprain. Special functional rehab programs focus on rebuilding balance so your ankle can handle everyday stuff and sports.
A therapist usually tells you when and how much to do as you recover.
Jumping back into sports or running too soon can actually set you back. Your provider will probably test your ankle’s strength and flexibility before giving you the green light.
Special Procedures and Repairs
Surgery for ankle sprains isn’t common. Doctors usually think about it only if you’re not getting better after months of other treatments.
Sometimes, they’ll stitch together a ligament that just won’t heal. Other times, they might use tissue from nearby tendons or ligaments to rebuild the area.
A bone and joint specialist makes the call on surgery. Most people heal up fine without it if they stick to the right care and rehab.
Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit
A little prep before your appointment goes a long way. Bring a written list that covers:
- What your symptoms are, when they started, and what seems to help or make things worse
- Your health history, especially any old ankle or foot injuries
- Medications and supplements you take
- Questions you want answered, like how to avoid future sprains
Use your visit to talk about keeping your ankles strong and steering clear of another injury.
Questions the Doctor Might Ask You
Your doctor will probably ask questions to get a better idea of what happened:
| Possible Questions | Why They’re Asked |
|---|---|
| How did the injury happen? | To see what caused the sprain |
| Which way did your foot turn? | To find out the movement that hurt your ankle |
| Can you walk or stand on it? | To know how serious the injury is |
| What care have you tried at home? | To check if common treatments helped |
| Have you had ankle injuries before? | To see if this is a repeat problem |
Just be honest with your answers—getting the right advice depends on it.
