Shopper’s Ankle Sprain

Tis the season for strategically dodging fellow holiday shoppers on crowded sidewalks.  While sidestepping to avoid that oblivious person texting, you might develop an ankle sprain while stepping off a curb, or slipping on a patch of ice. 

COMMON ANKLE SPRAINS

Lateral ankle sprains can occur from a dorsiflexion inversion force, or a plantar flexion inversion force. There are 2 main ligaments that stabilize the outside of your ankle:

1. 1. The anterior talofibular ligament is injured if the ankle is forced into plantar flexion and inversion.
   2.  The calcaneal fibular ligament is injured if the ankle is forced into dorsiflexion and inversion.

The severity of an ankle sprain ranges from minimal stretching of the involved ligament, to complete rupture of the ligament. In some cases, the ligament may avulse a piece of bone from one of its attachments.

If you suspect an ankle sprain:

• • Severity of Pain: Determine the severity of your pain, and your ability to bear weight on the ankle. 

• • Weight Bearing status: With mild ankle sprains, you can bear weight on the ankle immediately. A more severe sprain may not permit any amount of weight bearing. If you have pain when you press on any boney prominence, it is best to remain non-weight bearing until seeking medical evaluation.

• • Ankle Brace: An over the counter ankle brace may provide enough stability to alleviate your pain. Continue to wear this brace until you can schedule an appointment.

• Rehabilitation: Proprioceptive exercises for your ankle ligaments should be started as soon as possible.

Same Day Appointments

Avoid long emergency room waits and the associated costs! We offer same day appointments for ankle sprains. The goal is to decrease the swelling and pain and get you rehabbing your sprain quickly. The faster we get you strengthening on your injured ankle, the better the long term outcome. Most patients get back to running within a day or two after a mild grade I sprain.