An ankle sprain needs immediate medical attention in order to insure a good outcome. At Temecula Valley Podiatry, the top
Temecula podiatry office, Dr. Richard Haas leads a distinguished team of podiatric professionals who you can rely upon to efficiently and effectively treat your ankle injury. With over 25 years in practice. Dr. Haas offers a full array of podiatric services for the whole family. He specializes in minimally invasive foot surgery, diabetic and wound care, fungal laser treatments, sports medicine and orthotics, ingrown toenails, and endoscopic surgery for heel pain. He and his staff understand how stressful going to the doctor can be, so they make every effort to provide a friendly and relaxed environment.
Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, often resulting in one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle to be stretched or torn. If not properly treated, ankle sprains could develop into long-term problems. This injury is a major cause of foot pain. A sprain can be difficult to differentiate from a fracture without an x-ray. If you are unable to bear weight after this type of injury, or if there is significant swelling or deformity, you should seek medical treatment from our doctor. Depending on how many ligaments are injured, Dr. Haas will classify your sprain as Grade I, II or III. The goal at the Temecula podiatry office is to prevent chronic pain and instability. For a Grade I sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. guidelines: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The swelling usually goes down within a few days. For a Grade II sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. guidelines and allow more time for healing. The doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle. A Grade III sprain puts you at risk for permanent ankle instability. Rarely, surgery may be needed to repair the damage, especially in competitive athletes. For severe ankle sprains, your doctor may also consider treating you with a short leg cast for two to three weeks or a walking boot. People who sprain their ankle repeatedly may also need surgical repair to tighten their ligaments.
Once your sprain has been evaluated, Dr. Haas will devise a treatment plan based upon the severity of the injury, your healthcare goals, and your activity level. Every possible non-invasive treatment will be considered before surgery is recommended. Since most ankle sprains will heal over time with rest and proper care, surgery is rarely an option. Physical therapy will be prescribed in some of the more serious cases of ankle sprains to restore flexibility to the joint and strength to the affected soft tissues. Call our friendly
Temecula podiatry office today for an appointment to treat your ankle sprain and help you put your best foot forward.
