Ankle sprains are an extremely common musculoskeletal injury that can affect people of all ages. Anything from a fall to sudden twists or rolling of the ankle can cause sprains, which is why they can occur in anyone from star athletes to even someone just walking their dog. If you recently injured your ankle and you think it may be sprained, you should seek help from a doctor immediately. If you’re searching for “ankle sprain treatment near me,” search no more! The staff at Lake Pointe Orthopaedics has been serving the DFW community for over 25 years and has treated thousands of sprained ankles. Keep reading to learn more about how to spot the differences between sprains and strains, and steps you can take to treat a mild sprain.
Sprain vs. Strain
While they sound very similar, sprains and strains are two different kinds of injuries that require different treatments. Knowing the difference between the two can help you decide on treatment, but don’t worry if you’re still unsure! Our team of highly trained doctors will be able to identify the best treatment plan for your injury.
Sprains refer to an injury of the ligaments while strains involve an injury to the actual muscles or tendons. That being said, the easiest way to differentiate these two injuries is by their symptoms. Both injuries will cause similar symptoms like pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. However, the main difference between the two is that sprains usually cause bruising around the injured area while strains don’t.
Ankle Sprain Treatment Near Me
No matter the injury, it’s always a good idea to seek professional treatment from a doctor. Without proper treatment, some severe sprains risk-taking longer to heal, or do not heal all the way. This could cause the ankle to experience a decrease in range of motion and stability, which can result in more sprains in the future. During your appointment for ‘ankle sprain treatment near me,’ our team of doctors will assess your injury, and then advise you on treatment options. Most sprains can be healed by following the RICE treatment:
- Rest – The first step to healing your ankle sprain is to rest and not try to stand for too long or put too much pressure on the affected joint.
- Ice – Putting ice on your injury will help reduce swelling and inflammation, but remember to always wrap a thin piece of cloth or a paper towel around the ice and never put it directly on your skin!
- Compression – Another way to reduce swelling is through compression. Our doctors will either supply you with an appropriate bandage or recommend one that you buy at the store.
- Elevation – Finally, keeping your ankle elevated above heart level will reduce swelling even more. This step is best practiced while laying down with a cushion underneath your ankle.
Contact us
If you have more questions about where to find ankle sprain treatment near me, give us a call! Or, make an appointment at any of our locations.