Sprains

If you develop intense pain or rapid swelling in your ankle after a fall, you may have a sprain that requires medical attention. At Mayfair Foot Care, Edward Buro, DPM, Christine Peterson, DPM, and Rosario Saccomanno, DPM, have extensive experience treating sprains to ensure they heal fully. The providers use diagnostic imaging tests on-site to evaluate the severity of your sprain and customize a care plan to reduce swelling, pain, and other symptoms quickly. Call the Commack, New York, office to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for sprains or book an appointment online today.

What are sprains?

Sprains describe stretched or torn ligaments, the tissues that connect two or more bones in a joint.

Sprains are common in the ligaments of the ankle joint. You may be prone to ankle sprains if you jog regularly or participate in sports. You can also sprain your ankle if you fall or step down awkwardly and roll your ankle.

Mayfair Foot Care provides comprehensive care for sprains, including in-office diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans.

When should I get medical attention for sprains?

Minor sprains often heal on their own within a few weeks with rest and over-the-counter medications.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Mayfair Foot Care if you have symptoms of a sprain that you can’t manage on your own or if your symptoms continue to worsen. Sprain symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited range of motion

A serious sprain can also make it difficult for you to put any weight on your ankle or foot and prevent you from walking.

The foot specialists physically examine your ankle and foot and may request X-rays or other imaging tests to check your ligaments for tears. Based on your test results, they customize a care plan to help your sprain heal fully.

How are sprains treated?

If you have a mild to moderate sprain, the Mayfair Foot Care providers may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method) for a few days to reduce pain and swelling. You may also benefit from anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.

For more serious sprains or torn ligaments, the podiatrists may put you in a brace or cast to fully immobilize your ankle. It can take several weeks or months for your ligament to heal. If you’re not recovering well, the providers may recommend surgery to repair torn ligaments, so they can heal more efficiently.

As your condition improves, the providers might recommend physical therapy. Working with a therapist helps strengthen the ligament and restore your mobility. You can also learn exercises to do at home to keep your ligaments flexible and lower your risk for additional sprains.

Call Mayfair Foot Care to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for sprains or book an appointment online today.