Sprained Ankle Specialist
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William Schell, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy located in Upper West Side, Columbus Circle, New York, NY
A sprained ankle can significantly hinder your quality of life, making it impossible to complete day-to-day tasks and stay physically active. Fortunately, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Schell, MD, helps treats sprains and strains at his New York City office, to get you back on your feet, field, or court in no time. Call to schedule an appointment today or use the online booking tool.
Sprained Ankle
What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle happens when ligaments that support your ankle joint get stretched beyond their capability and tear. Sports injuries are common causes of sprained ankles, but simply stepping down awkwardly or falling can also cause sprains. Ankle sprains range from mild to severe and can be quite painful.
Your ankle may feel like it’s rolled too far, which is a common cause of a sprain. Complications from ankle sprains include ankle instability (which can last long term without proper treatment), arthritis, chronic ankle pain, and bone or cartilage damage over time.
What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?
When you sprain your ankle, you’ll likely experience pain. Common symptoms include:
- A popping sound during the injury
- Ankle pain (especially when standing or walking)
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness when touched
- Decreased range of motion
- Ankle instability
Initially, you’ll likely notice a large amount of swelling in your ankle. Applying ice regularly helps reduce swelling. Over time, the swelling should subside and bruising often occurs near the site of the sprain.
How are ankle sprains diagnosed?
Dr. Schell diagnoses ankle sprains using a physical examination and imaging tests if necessary (especially in the case of severe sprains). This might include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs), or ultrasound.
How are ankle sprains treated?
The appropriate treatment for an ankle sprain depends on how severe it is. You likely won’t require surgery to repair this type of injury. Dr. Schell may recommend:
- Applying ice treatment to the affected area regularly
- Using a compression bandage
- Getting plenty of rest
- Elevating your ankle
- Taking certain medications to relieve pain and swelling
- Using crutches until the pain subsides
- Trying physical therapy exercises to improve ankle strength and flexibility
If conservative treatment strategies don’t work or you have a severe sprain, Dr. Schell may recommend surgery. He might suggest ankle arthroscopy or ankle reconstruction surgery, though surgical treatments are rarely necessary to treat ankle sprains.
When you’re ready to find out how bad an ankle sprain is and talk about appropriate treatments, call Dr. Schell’s office or book an appointment online today.
