Ankle Sprain Specialist

How does a sprained ankle occur?

Whether you’re running, walking in a hurry, or simply strolling down the street, sprained ankles can happen to anyone. In most cases, an ankle experiences a sprain when you accidentally put too much pressure on it or when your ankle turns at an unusual angle. 

When you put too much pressure on your ankle, you run the risk of both stretching and tearing the ligaments that surround (and protect) it. While these injuries vary in intensity, it’s important to seek professional care to ensure the problem comes with an easy fix and not a long-term condition.

How do I know if I sprained my ankle?

Sprained ankles manifest themselves differently for everybody, as each person has their own threshold for pain. However, the most common signs of a sprained ankle include, but are not limited to: 

• Swelling around the ankle area
• Discomfort and pain when your foot hits the ground
• Bruising of the ankle
• Noticeable discoloration of the affected area

Remember that these are just signs that your ankle may be sprained, and they are not mutually exclusive. You may experience all of them at once, and they may fade relatively quickly after the injury.

What is peroneal tendonitis?

Each of your legs has two peroneal tendons, and these tendons are essential for load-bearing, to stabilize the ankle, and protect it from sprains. Peroneal tendonitis can cause ankle instability and pain, eventually leading to an ankle sprain.

Whether you are experiencing peroneal tendonitis because of improper footwear, high foot arches, incorrect training techniques, or lower limb muscle imbalances, the podiatrists at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist can provide you with any of the following solutions: 

• Cortisone injections
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Ankle braces 
• Footwear modifications
• Exercise recommendations

Consider getting in touch with the office today if traditional pain relief methods aren’t successful in alleviating your symptoms. 

How do you treat a sprained ankle?

The most effective treatment for a sprained ankle is rest and elevation. If your ankle is swollen, apply ice to the area to reduce the swelling, and consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers if the pain doesn’t subside. 

If these basic recovery steps don’t alleviate your symptoms, and if you can’t walk correctly within 24 hours, get in touch with Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist. 

Your podiatrist may use compression bandages or splints to immobilize the ankle. Immobilization of severe sprains enables effective short-term recovery and yields excellent long-term results.  

If you’ve experienced a severe ankle sprain, your podiatrist at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist may recommend various surgical procedures to repair your damaged ligaments. 

How can I prevent future ankle sprains?

After you receive treatment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, your podiatrist will tell you the best course of action to prevent future injury. 

Your podiatrist may give you a series of stretching, strengthening, and conditioning exercises to perform before and after any physical activity. They may also tell you which footwear is the best suited for your feet so that you can get the support you need at all times. 

Your podiatrist at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist will devise a personalized post-care plan with you directly to protect your ankle from re-injury. 

To book an appointment, use the online scheduling tool or call the office today. 

Why Professional Care Beats 'Walking it Off:

• Identify Hidden Fractures: Digital imaging ensures it’s not a break.

• Prevent Chronic Instability: Custom bracing or Physical Therapy prevents repeat sprains.

• Reduce Scar Tissue: Laser therapy breaks down inflammation that causes long-term stiffness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Sprains

How can I tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture? While both cause swelling and pain, a fracture often involves an inability to bear any weight and may include a visible deformity or a "cracking" sound at the time of injury. At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, we use digital X-rays to provide an immediate, accurate diagnosis for our patients in Homer Glen and New Lenox.

What is the 'RICE' method for ankle recovery? The RICE method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This is the first line of defense for a new injury in Orland Park. However, if you still experience instability or pain after 48 hours, professional intervention is necessary to prevent long-term ligament weakness.

Can laser therapy help an ankle sprain heal faster? Yes. We often utilize MLS Laser Therapy to treat acute ankle sprains. The laser helps to significantly reduce deep-tissue swelling and inflammation, which speeds up the natural healing process and gets athletes back on the field sooner.

Why do I keep spraining the same ankle? Repeated sprains are usually a sign of "chronic ankle instability." This happens when the ligaments don't heal at the correct length or strength. We treat this through a combination of physical therapy, custom orthotics for better stability, and, in severe cases, minimally invasive ligament repair.

At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, we provide comprehensive Ankle Sprain Treatment for athletes and families in Homer Glen and New Lenox. We go beyond basic RICE protocols by utilizing MLS Laser Therapy to significantly reduce swelling and pain, allowing for a 50% faster recovery time. By combining advanced diagnostic imaging with custom bracing and physical therapy protocols, we ensure long-term joint stability and prevent chronic ankle instability for our patients in the Southwest Suburbs.