Ankle Sprains

Toetal Podiatry

Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Financial District, New York, NY

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can put you out of action for weeks or even months. If you need expert treatment for a sprained ankle, Yekaterina Grauer, DPM, and Vera Malezhik, DPM, of Toetal Podiatry can help. At their office in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City, the experienced podiatrists use conservative treatments to heal mild to moderate ankle sprains and offer expert surgical options for severely damaged ankle ligaments. Call Toetal Podiatry today to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment using the online form.

Ankle Sprains Q&A

What are ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains occur when you extend the ligaments in your ankle beyond their limits. Damage can range from overstretching to tears and sometimes a complete rupture of a ligament.

Ligaments attach your bones to other bones in your joints. A sprain is damage to your ligaments, whereas a strain is an injury of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones. You can also fracture your ankle, and sometimes even suffer a sprain, strain, and break at the same time.

What symptoms do sprained ankles cause?

As well as pain, symptoms of ankle sprains can include:

  • Tenderness when touching your ankle
  • Bruising and swelling
  • Inability to do ankle circles properly
  • Weakness in the joint

Pain from ankle sprains is likely to be particularly bad when you attempt to stand or walk.

Toetal Podiatry has its own in-office imaging technology, including ultrasound and X-rays, to diagnose ankle sprains and assess the extent of any ligament damage. When necessary, they also use diagnostic arthroscopy, accessing your ankle through a small incision and inserting a tiny camera into the joint.

What are the treatments for sprained ankles?

If you sprain your ankle, apply ice, raise and rest the leg, and avoid putting weight on it. Mild sprains should get better within a week or so, but if your symptoms are severe, get worse, or don't improve, you should call Toetal Podiatry.

Immobilization is important, so you might need to wear customized, durable medical equipment such as patient-specific bracing. Physical therapy is also vital, and the Toetal Podiatry team recommends early rehabilitation.

They use passive therapies like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, and laser therapy, as well as active treatments including stretching and strengthening exercises.

Biologics like stem cell or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can help with non-healing ankle sprains and ligament tears. These treatments use healing cells to boost your body's natural repair functions.

Would I need surgery for a sprained ankle?

Most people find that conservative treatments resolve their ankle sprains without any need for surgery. If the injury is severe, such as a complete rupture, you would need surgery because the ligament can't repair itself if it's severed.

Surgery might also be necessary if your ankle isn't healing or you have chronic instability in the joint. The Toetal Podiatry team can perform minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery or open surgery, depending on your injury and what's best for you. They tailor a treatment plan for each patient’s individual needs.

For expert treatment of ankle sprains, call Toetal Podiatry today or book an appointment online.