Ankle Sprains Doctor Santa Monica, CA

What To Know About Ankle Sprains

Our Santa Monica, CA ankle sprains doctor can provide the treatments you need to heal from your injury quickly. Ankle sprains are painful and can restrict your mobility for a long time. They can be debilitating regardless of your physical fitness level. At SoCal Sports Podiatry, patients receive quality care when they need it the most. Recovering from an ankle sprain or other type of injury can take weeks, but with the treatment by our doctors, patients can heal at a much faster rate. If you have questions about what kind of treatments are best for your ankle injury, give us a call and we can set up an appointment for you.

How Ankle Sprains Occur

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle get torn or are stretched too far. This can cause much pain, redness, swelling, making it hard or painful to walk or move the foot or leg. Sprains usually happen when the ligaments are twisted in an unnatural way or beyond its limit, such as during a sports injury, after jumping, or after a sudden fall. Sprains are often highly painful, and demand immediate medical treatment.

Things that may make a person much more vulnerable to ankle sprains include regular physical activity, intense exercise, stiff leg muscles, and having improper form during physical activity. Failing to take precautions to prevent sprains from occurring can put individuals at increased risk.

Treating Ankle Sprains

Our doctors may treat an ankle sprain through several ways. Applying ice to the ankle is one of the first steps that should be done because this helps to reduce inflammation and redness. The ankle should be raised and patients should avoid walking on the sprained ankle, and instead should use crutches when moving around. Doctors may wrap a bandage around the sprain or use sports tape to provide stability. Anti-inflammatory pain medications are often prescribed to alleviate and manage the pain. Sprains usually improve after several days and heal fully after several weeks, but more serious sprains can take months to completely heal.

Healing And Recovery

During your initial consultation, the doctor will examine your injury closely and monitor the symptoms. They will provide you pain relief as needed and will stabilize your ankle so that it does not move around too much, usually through a bandage or cast. Patients with sprained ankles will need plenty of bed rest so that the torn ligaments can heal and any swelling or bruising will gradually go away. It is important to follow all orders made by the doctor so that your ankle sprain can heal properly and quickly.

Treatments Are Available

If you’ve suffered an ankle sprain, seek immediate medical attention. Sprains are easily treatable, but delays can cause your injury to worsen. Learn about what treatments are available by contacting our trusted Santa Monica, CA ankle sprains doctor from SoCal Sports Podiatry.

Potential Complications Of Untreated Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is a common injury, but if left untreated, it can lead to several complications affecting mobility and long-term health. While many people may assume that the injury will heal on its own, untreated ankle sprains can worsen over time, leading to further damage and chronic issues. Below are some potential complications that can arise if an ankle sprain is left untreated. To avoid these issues, contact a Santa Monica, CA ankle doctor. At SoCal Sports Podiatry, we are here to help.

Chronic Ankle Instability

One of the most common complications of an untreated ankle sprain is chronic ankle instability. This condition occurs when the ligaments that were stretched or torn during the sprain do not heal properly, leaving the ankle weak and prone to recurrent sprains. Over time, repeated injuries can lead to permanent instability, making it difficult to walk or engage in physical activities without the risk of the ankle giving way. Chronic ankle instability can also affect balance, increasing the risk of falls and further injuries.

Cartilage Damage And Arthritis

When an ankle sprain is left untreated, the instability in the joint can lead to cartilage damage. Cartilage is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows joints to move easily. Over time, the continued stress and instability in the ankle can cause wear and tear on the cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis. Arthritis in the ankle can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling, severely limiting mobility and impacting a person’s quality of life. While arthritis typically develops gradually, leaving an ankle sprain untreated can accelerate this process.

Tendon Damage

Another potential complication of an untreated ankle sprain is damage to the tendons around the ankle, particularly the peroneal tendons. These tendons help stabilize the ankle and foot. The tendons can become overstretched or even torn with repeated sprains or ongoing instability. A peroneal tendon injury can cause persistent pain, swelling, and weakness in the ankle, leading to difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured foot. A Santa Monica ankle doctor can explain how, in severe cases, tendon injuries may require surgical intervention to repair the damage.

Development Of Bone Spurs

Chronic ankle sprains or untreated ankle injuries can also result in the development of bone spurs. Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often in response to stress or injury. When the ligaments around the ankle are weakened or damaged due to repeated sprains, the body may try to compensate by forming bone spurs to stabilize the joint. These spurs can lead to pain and restricted movement in the ankle, especially when they interfere with the smooth function of the joint.

Scar Tissue Formation

After an ankle sprain, the body works to repair the damaged ligaments by forming scar tissue. While scar tissue is part of the natural healing process, an excessive amount can develop if an ankle sprain is not treated correctly. This can lead to stiffness in the ankle, limited range of motion, and ongoing pain. Scar tissue is typically less flexible than the original tissue, which can impair the normal function of the joint and increase the risk of re-injury.

Altered Gait And Posture Problems

When a person experiences pain or instability in the ankle, they may subconsciously change how they walk to avoid discomfort. This altered gait can have long-term consequences for the body, leading to problems with posture and alignment. Over time, compensating for a weak or unstable ankle can place additional strain on other joints, such as the knees, hips, and lower back, resulting in pain and potential injury in these areas. In some cases, prolonged altered gait can lead to muscle imbalances and joint issues that require physical therapy or corrective measures.

Delayed Healing And Prolonged Recovery Time

Failing to treat an ankle sprain properly can lead to delayed healing. What might have been a simple sprain requiring a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation can turn into a more complex injury that takes months to heal. Without proper treatment, including rest, compression, and physical therapy, the ligaments may not heal correctly, leading to ongoing pain and weakness in the ankle. Delaying treatment also increases re-injury risk, further extending the recovery time.

Call Our Office Today

While an ankle sprain may seem like a minor injury, leaving it untreated can lead to several complications that affect long-term mobility, stability, and overall health. It is important to see a Santa Monica ankle doctor to ensure your injury heals correctly. Call SoCal Sports Podiatry today.

When To See A Doctor For An Ankle Sprain

While many mild sprains can heal with simple at-home care, there are times when professional medical attention from a Santa Monica, CA ankle sprains doctor is necessary. Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries, especially for those leading active lifestyles. Understanding when to seek medical help can make a significant difference in recovery time and long-term ankle health.

Recognizing The Severity Of The Sprain

Not all ankle sprains are the same, and it’s important to recognize the signs of a more serious injury. When we twist or turn our ankle unexpectedly, the ligaments around the joint can stretch or tear. The severity of the sprain can range from mild stretching to complete tears. If you find that walking is painful or difficult after an injury, that could be a sign of a more severe sprain that may require medical attention.

Signs like intense pain, significant swelling, or a bruised appearance are key indicators that the injury might not be a simple sprain. If any of these symptoms occur, seeing a Santa Monica ankle sprains doctor promptly will help avoid complications.

Difficulty Bearing Weight On The Injured Foot

One of the telltale signs that an ankle sprain may need medical attention is the inability to put weight on the affected foot. While mild discomfort is to be expected, if you find it impossible or very painful to walk even after a day or two of rest, ice, and elevation, it’s time to consider seeing a doctor.

Persistent pain when applying pressure could indicate more than just a stretched ligament. Sometimes, the injury might include fractures or other damage to the ankle joint that can’t be properly diagnosed without a professional evaluation.

Swelling That Doesn’t Subside

Swelling is a natural part of the body’s healing process, but it should begin to subside after a couple of days of home treatment. If the swelling remains or gets worse, it could signal a more serious injury. Persistent swelling often indicates more damage than a mild sprain and requires a more thorough examination to ensure there are no further complications, such as ligament tears or bone fractures.

It’s especially important to seek medical care if the swelling comes with a feeling of instability in the ankle. This might mean the ligaments are severely damaged and may need more focused treatment.

Chronic Instability Or Pain

If you’ve sprained your ankle and followed proper home care, but the joint continues to feel unstable or you experience recurring pain, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Chronic instability can increase the risk of future injuries and might mean that the ankle didn’t heal properly the first time. Ongoing discomfort may also be a sign of damage to other structures in the foot, such as the tendons or cartilage.

When pain persists beyond the expected healing window, it’s better to have a doctor evaluate the ankle. They can determine whether rehabilitation, bracing, or other treatments are needed to restore full function.

Don’t Wait For It To Get Worse

Taking care of your health is always the priority, and when it comes to ankle sprains, being proactive can save you from prolonged discomfort and complications. If you’re unsure about the severity of your sprain or it’s not improving with home care, don’t hesitate to contact us at SoCal Sports Podiatry. Our patient-centered approach helps you get back on your feet with confidence. Call a Board-Certified Santa Monica ankle sprains doctor today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward healing your ankle properly.