With the base adding up and fresh snowfalls adding powder, nearby ski resorts are off and running for another season. We hope you are able to enjoy the slopes, and the chance that we may see an end to the long drought in California. We also hope you don’t come home from your ski weekend with an injury, but if you do, our ankle sprain protocol is waiting for you.
Treating ankle pain from a sprain involves many things you can and need to do at home so your joint heals properly. If it doesn’t, your risk of chronic ankle instability increases, and that’s not good news for a skier—or anyone else. Here’s what needs to happen to heal a sprained ankle:
- Limit weight bearing. This is so important. The tissues can’t heal if you keep using them, so stay off your foot. We may have you use crutches or an ankle brace to keep a severe sprain immobile. The less pressure there is on the damaged ligaments, the less chance of pain.
- Control swelling. Use ice, a compression bandage, and elevation to keep swelling to a minimum. Not only will this help tissues heal, but the pressure from swelling can increase pain, so keeping it down keeps you more comfortable.
- Use medication. Not every over-the-counter pain reliever is the same, and you need to watch dosage carefully, so please consult us for the correct type and dosage and information about how it interacts with other drugs you may be taking.
- Be patient. Again, this is crucial. If you start activity too soon, you can undo all the good healing that has taken place, and greatly increase your risk for arthritis and weak ankles in the future. Your pain should be gone before you resume your activities. Then, be sure to follow our physical therapy recommendations to rebuild ankle strength and range of motion.
Call Southern California Foot & Ankle Specialists in Ladera Ranch, CA when you sustain any ankle injury beyond a mild twisting that resolves in a day or two. Broken bones have similar symptoms to sprains, so you want to be sure you are using the correct treatment for your injury.
You can reach us by phone at (949) 364-9255 (WALK) or online by using our contact form to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping your ankle heal so you can be active again.