San Juan Regional Health

If you participate in sports and enjoy staying physically active, an ankle sprain can quickly take you out of the game. At San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle, our skilled providers understand how limiting an ankle injury can be. At our office in Farmington, New Mexico, our orthopedic experts offer comprehensive care to promote total healing of damaged ligaments. Find out about available treatments by calling our office today.

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain is a common injury that results when the supportive ligaments in the ankle stretch too far. In some cases, this over-stretching causes partial or full tissue tears in the ligament.

Common causes of ankle sprains include:

• Falls or missteps on uneven surfaces
• Repetitive overuse or sudden twisting during sports
• Stepping down with excessive force on the ankle joint

What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe. Symptoms often occur immediately, though swelling and stiffness may peak several hours after the incident. Common signs include:

• Immediate pain and tenderness to the touch
• Visible bruising and significant swelling
• Instability, or the feeling that the joint may "give out"
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot

It is important to schedule a diagnostic evaluation to rule out fractures or more serious ligament ruptures if your pain does not respond to basic rest and ice therapy.

How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?

Our team determines the severity of the sprain through a physical examination and a review of the circumstances surrounding the injury. In many cases, on-site X-rays are necessary to rule out broken bones. We may also utilize imaging to identify specific ligament tears that require specialized treatment.

How are ankle sprains treated?

Treatment is tailored to the grade of your sprain to ensure the joint regains full strength and stability:

• Mild Sprains: Conservative care including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with temporary activity modification.
• Moderate to Severe Sprains: Immobilization through bracing or wrapping to allow ligaments to knit back together. In some cases, crutches may be used to keep pressure off the joint.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is often recommended to restore range of motion and prevent "chronic ankle instability," which can lead to frequent re-injury.
• Surgical Intervention: For severe tissue damage or complete ruptures, our surgeons can repair the ligaments using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.

Don’t ignore persistent swelling or pain. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation of a suspected ankle sprain at San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle today.