Acute Ankle Sprain in Athletes

Recover quickly from an acute ankle sprain with help from Dr. Caitlan Clancy and the trusted foot and ankle specialists at the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County (OCPBC). Athletes frequently suffer from painful, acute, ankle and foot injuries during competitions or training sessions, requiring advanced treatment and specialized care.

At The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County, we provide cutting-edge orthopedic and podiatric care in Palm Beach County and South Florida.

Immediate Acute Ankle Sprain Treatment Method

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) serve as the immediate treatment that most care providers suggest in cases of acute ankle sprains in athletes. Be sure to see a doctor immediately if you are in intense pain and to make sure you have no torn ligaments or broken bones.

Rest

You must avoid placing any weight on your injured ankle. Refrain from sports practice or any activity that would put pressure on your ankle. Use crutches or a brace to help speed up the healing process.

Ice

Reduce your ankle swelling by placing an ice pack on the affected area for no more than 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat the process three times per day. You can apply a heat compress after 48 to 72 hours.

Compression

Compression helps keep the blood flowing through the injured foot or ankle. You can use a brace or an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Elevation

Keep your leg above the level of your heart by using a pillow to elevate your leg. Elevation helps drain the excess fluids from the injured area, minimizing swelling and relieving pain and discomfort.

Treatment for and Rehabilitation of Ankle Sprains

To understand the extent of the damage, you must first see a doctor and undergo a physical examination to grade the ankle sprain. With the help of ultrasounds, stress radiography, MRIs, plain radiography, and other imaging techniques, Dr. Clancy and our foot and ankle specialists team can identify the level of injury and suggest a treatment method.

The following are the goals for treatment and each phase of rehabilitation for an acute ankle sprain in athletes.

Phase 1 Goals are to:

• Rest
• Protect the ankle with a brace, wrap, splint, or crutches
• Prevent further injury
• Control pain with ice, compression, and elevation
• Begin slight weight bearing, if possible

Phase 2 Goals are to:

• Reduce the remaining swelling
• Work on the joint’s range of motion to restore flexibility
• Perform peroneal and calf strengthening exercises
• Begin low-impact, aerobic training
• Maintain general fitness

Phase 3 Goals are to:

• Build coordination, balance
• Achieve position awareness
• Do proprioception exercises for balance and movement

Phase 4 Goals are to:

• Achieve functional progression
• Jog
• Run straight on a flat surface
• Jump

Phase 5 Goals are to:

• Return to sports competition
• Attend practice
• Perform maintenance exercises
• Provide long-term protection

Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery

If improperly managed, acute ankle sprains in athletes can cause several long-term effects, including injury recurrence and persistent residual symptoms. High ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, and ruptures of the ankle ligaments require immediate physical examinations and treatment.

Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery focuses on restoring the function of ligaments, tendons, bones, joints, muscles, arteries, and nerves. Our doctors and patients generally see surgery as the last resort to get an athlete back on the field.

Dr. Caitlan Clancy at The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County

Dr. Caitlan Clancy has completed intensive surgical courses in the fields of total ankle joint replacement, trauma, and arthroscopy. She remains board-qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Clancy graduated from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At JFK Medical Center in Palm Beach County, she completed a three-year foot and ankle reconstructive surgical residency.

The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County (OCPBC) provides the finest orthopedic and podiatric care in Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach County, and South Florida.

An untreated sprain can result in additional injuries to other body parts, including the back and legs. If you suspect you have suffered an ankle sprain, seek immediate podiatric or orthopedic care in Palm Beach, FL.

Call The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County (OCPBC) at 561-967-6500 to make an appointment with Dr. Clancy to restore your active lifestyle.