Anyone who has ever experienced an ankle sprain knows that it can be painful, potentially taking you off your feet for a few days as your body heals. What you may not know is that, although they are often dismissed as minor injuries, ankle sprains can actually turn into big problems if they are not properly treated. All too often, patients assume their ankle sprain will heal on its own, but the condition only worsens.

At RNV Podiatry, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for ankle sprain injuries in the McKinney, TX community and beyond. We are pleased to offer the tailored care required to get you back to full mobility promptly.

What Exactly is an Ankle Sprain?

A sprain involves the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize your ankle. These ligaments exist to prevent side-to-side motion, allowing you to walk with strength and confidence.

Ankle sprain injuries can come about due to running or playing sports, but they may also occur due to everyday accidents like stepping off a curb. Ankle sprain symptoms can vary from patient to patient, but often they include:

  • Bruising and swelling.
  • Mild to moderate discomfort.
  • A limited range of motion.
  • Difficulty placing weight on the injured foot.

Even when a sprained ankle does not seem severe, it may be prudent to seek medical care to ensure the injury properly heals, as opposed to growing worse.

Why Should You Consult a Podiatrist Immediately if You Have a Sprained Ankle?

Without proper treatment from a trained podiatrist, your sprained ankle may worsen to the point that your ankle remains permanently weakened for the remainder of your life. This makes the risk of additional injury far greater, especially for runners and athletes.

Unfortunately, many patients either assume their ankle sprain injury is no big deal, or else they start putting weight on their ankle as soon as they can bear it. Not seeking treatment at all or discontinuing treatment too soon significantly raises the risk of ongoing ankle problems. At RNV Podiatry, we provide our patients in the McKinney, TX community with the treatments required to facilitate a full recovery.

Ankle Sprain Treatments

In most cases, ankle sprain treatments begin with medical imaging, allowing your podiatrist to determine the severity of the injury. From there, you will receive a personalized treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following steps:

Icing the Injury

The use of ice or a cold compress, paired with a few days of rest, can help reduce inflammation and expedite healing, restoring you to full mobility in short order.

Elevating and Resting the Injury

Rest can be especially helpful when you elevate the injured foot, accelerating the healing process.

Wearing a Medical Brace

A medical brace not only supports your ankle, preventing further injury, but it can also reduce your inflammation.

Undergoing Surgery

While surgery is seldom required to repair torn ligaments, it may be recommended when other treatment options are insufficient.

Meet Dr. Rachel N. Verville, DPM, PA

Patients in McKinney, TX entrust their ankle sprain injuries to Dr. Rachell N. Verville, a board-certified foot surgeon who has performed more than 1,500 elective and traumatic surgeries to date.

Dr. Verville has a proven track record of helping athletes get back on their feet as quickly as possible, providing robust and personalized treatments and extensive patient education.

Dr. Verville graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. She then earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from the Des Moines University – College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. She is an active member of the American Association for Women Podiatrists and the Texas Podiatric Medical Association.

Sprained Your Ankle? Contact Us Immediately

A sprained ankle injury is nothing to take lightly. Seek the tailored care you need from RNV Podiatry. We are pleased to provide extensive care for patients in McKinney, TX and the surrounding area. Contact us online for an appointment or call us directly: (214) 385-8822.