Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or an avid shopper and errand runner, a sprained ankle keeps you from doing what you love. While most sprained ankles heal within a few weeks and become a thing of the past, some haunt you for months or years.
Even a seemingly minor ankle sprain can lead to chronic instability if not treated properly.
With all the indoor and outdoor activities in and around Salt Lake City, we see more than our fair share of sprained ankles. Our experienced podiatrists, Drs. Dan Preece, Darren Groberg, and Christian Smith partner with Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists to deliver the most advanced care for sprained ankles and other foot and ankle problems.
Here, we explain what happens when you sprain your ankle, what chronic ankle instability is, and how to prevent it.
When you sprain your ankle, you stretch the ligaments that support the joint beyond their normal range of motion. It usually occurs when you roll your ankle inward.
We classify ankle sprains according to their severity.
Grade 1 is a minor sprain with minimal stretching and slight tearing. You can walk without too much pain.
Grade 2 is a torn ligament that causes a little more pain, swelling, and bruising than a grade 1 sprain. Although you may be able to walk, it will be quite painful.
Grade 3 is the most severe. The completely severed ligament makes it impossible to bear weight, and the pain is intense.
When your ankle repeatedly gives way during physical activity, especially on uneven surfaces, you likely have chronic ankle instability, which typically stems from inadequately healed sprains.
Symptoms of chronic ankle instability:
Several factors lead to inadequately healed ankle sprains:
Insufficient rest and premature return to activity are the most common causes of chronic ankle instability. You must allow the ligaments time to heal completely; resuming physical activity too soon can aggravate the injury and prevent proper healing.
Rehabilitation exercises are non-negotiable if you want your ankle to return to its former strength and balance.
Another contributing factor is not seeking appropriate medical advice. Without a professional diagnosis and treatment plan, you may miss critical aspects of your injury and fail to address them properly.
Finally, factors such as age, overall health, and previous ankle injuries can also influence the healing process.
Preventing chronic ankle instability involves a combination of immediate care, ongoing physical therapy, and advanced treatments. Here are some handy tips and proven methods:
The best way to ensure you don’t end up with chronic ankle instability is to ensure your sprained ankle heals fully. Our specialists customize your treatment plan to fit your activity level, overall health, and goals. In addition to the RICE method and anti-inflammatory medications, we also offer:
Working with a physical therapist strengthens the muscles around your ankle and improves proprioception, your body’s innate ability to sense its location and balance. Your physical therapist might have you work on:
Multiwave Locked System® (MLS) laser therapy is a cutting-edge, noninvasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to increase the blood flow to your ankle. It’s great for soft-tissue damage like sprained ankles because it reduces inflammation and pain and promotes healing.
If you have a sprained ankle or chronic ankle instability, it’s not too late to get treatment and prevent further problems. Call Utah Musculoskeletal at 801-285-0849, or request an appointment online.
