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Prevent & Treat a Sprained Ankle

If you have ever suffered an ankle sprain, you are definitely not alone. Ankle strains and sprains happen often, and while some of us seem to just sluff it off and walk away with minor pain, other injuries can be more severe and require rest and recuperation to avoid further damage to the ankle joint. The excessive force absorbed by your ankle can cause an overstretched or torn tendon, and often the extent of the injury isn’t immediately obvious, so always check carefully to make sure you aren’t going to cause more problems by continuing with the activity

How to prevent an ankle sprain

Always wear properly fitted shoes that are designed based upon your chosen activity. Never play tennis in running shoes.  A good pair of properly designed and supportive athletic shoes is essential to preventing foot and ankle injuries and can also help to prevent current problems from becoming worse. An improperly treated ankle sprain that isn’t allowed to heal slowly and completely with the appropriate rehabilitation exercises is more likely to suffer another injury that may, in fact, be worse the next time around.

How to treat an ankle sprain

During the first few days, many less severe ankle sprains will respond quite well to the ubiquitous RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. A rigid walking boot that provides the necessary immobilization can be worn while healing occurs over several weeks or even months.

If you need help treating an ankle sprain, call your podiatrist right away. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Podiatrists Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide excellence in foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at conveniently-located offices in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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