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We take the time needed for a thorough examination to find the underlying cause of your pain.
Airrosti Providers use hands-on manual therapy to treat your specific ankle injury to reduce pain, increase mobility, and accelerate healing.
No surgery, injections, or prescription medication.
Patients have shorter recovery time with an average of 3.2 visits over 2 weeks.
Speed your recovery and keep your pain from returning.
She then walks you through four easy exercises to help with ankle mobility and foot stability. If you’re experiencing pain related to an ankle sprain, don’t hesitate to contact Airrosti. Our goal is to get you back on your feet and pain-free as quickly as possible. (Read our disclaimer here.)
Still have questions or concerns about your ankle pain? Schedule a no-cost video chat with one of our Providers.
Ankle sprains and strains are two often-confused injuries. These two injuries can cause pain and walking difficulty. Both terms are used to describe a tearing or an overstretching of the soft tissue surrounding your ankle joints and carry similar symptoms. Here are the key differentiators between the two:
Ankle sprains are the result of overstretching, or in some cases, tearing of the ankle ligaments. Ligaments connect the ankle bones together to create a joint and are made of tissue. Sprains are rather common in the ankles as the ankles are one of the most worked parts of the body.
As for symptoms, in a sprain, you will often see bruising surrounding the injured ankle joint.
Strains deal with a different part of the ankle. An ankle strain occurs when there is tearing or overstretching in the ankle’s tendons or muscles. Tendons are the glue that connects muscles to bones. They are composed of strong fibrous cords. When it comes to symptoms, ankle sprains set themselves apart because they often result in muscle spasms.
Strained or sprained ankles are very common injuries. They can happen when you take part in sports and other physical activities, but it can also happen when simply stepping on uneven surfaces or stepping down at an angle. Most people have experienced a twisted ankle at some point in their life. Pain and swelling are the most common signs that you have injured ankle ligaments in the case of a sprain and torn muscles/tendons in the case of a strain.
The ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the ankle hold the bones and joints in position. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements, especially twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot. When one of these parts of the ankle is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain or strain occurs. Sprains can occur on different parts of the ankle, and the most common ankle sprain occurs on the lateral, or outside, part of the ankle resulting in a lateral ankle sprain.
Some people are predisposed to ankle sprains and strains. For people with a hindfoot varus in which the general nature or posture of the heels is slightly turned toward the inside, these injuries are more common. This is because it is easier to roll/twist the ankle. For people who are predisposed to such injuries, it’s crucial to take measures of prevention.
In those who have had a severe sprain in the past, it is also easier to roll/twist the ankle and cause a new sprain or strain. Therefore, one of the risk factors of injuring the ankle is having ankle instability. Those who have weak muscles may be more predisposed. Risk factors also include activities, such as basketball and jumping sports, in which an individual can come down on and twist the ankle.
There are two types of ankle strains and sprains. Typically, the ankle is rolled either inward (inversion ankle sprain) or outward (eversion ankle sprain). Inversion sprains cause pain along the outer side of the ankle and are the most common type. Pain along the inner side of the ankle may represent more serious injuries to the ligaments or tendons and may need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Ankle sprains are often categorized into different grades depending on the severity of the sprain. These grades range from Grade 1 to Grade 3.
The ligaments have been stretched but have yet to tear. Symptoms will include mild swelling, pain, and joint instability/stiffness as well as issues jumping and walking.
The ligaments have partly torn. Symptoms will include difficulty walking, pain, bruising, considerable swelling, and loss of motion in the ankle.
The ligaments will be torn completely. This serious sprain will result in severe pain, swelling, and loss of motion, as well as joint instability and pain associated with walking.
As stated before, ankle sprains and strain symptoms are very similar and hard to distinguish. One of the telltale differentiating signs between the two is that ankle strains will often result in muscle spasms in the injured area, whereas ankle sprains will reveal a generous amount of bruising surrounding the inflicted area.
If a sprain or strain is not treated properly, long-term problems may occur. Sprains can be difficult to differentiate from fractures (broken bones) 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 your primary care physician or a soft tissue specialist.
When a sprain occurs, blood vessels will leak fluid into the tissue that surrounds the joint. Along with inflammation, swelling from the fluid and ankle pain is experienced. The nerves in the area become more sensitive, so a throbbing pain is felt when pressure is placed on the area. Warmth and redness are also seen as blood flow is increased. Also present is a decreased range of motion, and difficulty using the affected leg.
Depending on the severity of the sprain, a person may or may not be able to put weight on the foot. If it’s a severe sprain, you might have felt a “pop” when the injury happened.
Surgery is rarely necessary for an ankle sprain. Most sprains can be treated with conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, Airrosti care, and bracing. However, if there is a severe injury, such as a complete ligament tear or repeated ankle instability after conservative treatment, surgery may be considered. A healthcare provider can determine the best treatment based on the severity of the sprain and the patient’s recovery progress.
Yes, it is generally safe to take medications for ankle sprain pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and manage discomfort. In more severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend stronger medications. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance when taking any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are on additional medications.
Yes, there are several self-care techniques and exercises that can help with an ankle sprain. Initially, rest, ice, and elevation can help reduce swelling and pain. Once the pain subsides, gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and prevent future sprains. Examples include ankle circles, towel stretches, and resistance band exercises. Physical therapy may be recommended to guide recovery and prevent long-term instability.
Yes, it’s important to limit activity after an ankle sprain to allow the injury to heal. Avoid high-impact activity, especially during the early stages of recovery. Using a brace may help to provide support and can also help protect the ankle. Gradually returning to physical activities is recommended, starting with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling. Rushing back to high-impact activities before the ankle is fully healed can increase the risk of re-injury. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice on when it’s safe to resume full activity.
We offer both in-clinic and telehealth appointments to best suit your needs.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
