Dealing With An Ankle Sprain That Just Won’t Heal? Here’s What To Do

The majority of ankle sprains typically recover with conventional RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) in a timeframe of two to twelve weeks. However, for patients whose sprains do not improve with this standard treatment, the underlying cause and subsequent treatment options may remain uncertain. So, what can be done to hasten the healing process so that a patient can start walking again?

Reasons Why A Sprained Ankle Might Not Heal

Some of the best orthopedic doctors in salt lake city will conclude that persistent ankle sprains that do not heal often result from specific injuries to the internal bones, cartilage, and ligaments of the foot or where it connects with the tibia and fibula. Additionally, the presence of trapped fluid or scar tissue can contribute to ongoing pain, making many underlying causes of discomfort after an ankle sprain difficult to detect through X-ray imaging. This kind of injury can be the result of specific activities that push a sprained ankle past the point of just being a sprained ankle, such as:

● Cartilage fractures

● Snowboard injuries

● Scar tissue forming

● Ankle ligament injuries

● Peroneal nerve injury

● Tendon injury

Understanding The Severity Of Your Pain

The initial action in dealing with a persistent sprained ankle is to evaluate the injury’s severity. Ankle sprains are generally classified on a scale ranging from mild to severe, with mild sprains typically recovering faster than their severe counterparts. If you haven’t done so yet or if the pain is unbearable, seek advice from a podiatrist to assess the situation.

Resting And Protecting

Adequate rest is essential for the recovery of a sprained ankle. Continuing to bear weight on the affected ankle or participating in intense activities prematurely can hinder the healing process. It may be beneficial to utilize crutches or a brace to stabilize the ankle and alleviate pressure on the injured site until your ankle becomes more stable. Pushing the healing process too quickly can make your sprain worse.

Consider Ice And Elevation

Using ice on a sprained ankle can help minimize swelling and relieve pain. Icing your ankle should be 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off; you should not keep an ice pack on your ankle for hours on end. Additionally, keeping your foot elevated above heart level while resting can further aid in decreasing swelling.

Apply Compression

Compression bandages or braces can offer support to an injured ankle and help minimize swelling. However, it is important to avoid wrapping the bandage too tightly, as this may restrict blood flow that is needed for the healing process. Speak to your doctor so that they can show you the proper methods of applying compression bandages to your ankle.

Make A Physical Therapy Appointment

In certain situations, a sprained ankle might necessitate physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to the injured joint. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise regimen to facilitate a quicker recovery while also minimizing your pain.

Speak To Your Doctor About Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can alleviate pain and swelling, but it’s still important to speak to your doctor beforehand to ensure that there are no other drug interactions. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist prior to using any medication, particularly if you have existing health issues or are on other medications.

Immobilization Might Be An Option

In more serious situations, a podiatrist might suggest using a cast or walking boot to immobilize the ankle, ensuring proper healing. It is important to adhere to your podiatrist’s recommendations concerning the length of time for immobilization.

Imaging Tests Can Figure Out The Problem

If your ankle is not healing as anticipated, your healthcare provider might suggest imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to identify any concealed fractures or ligament injuries that could necessitate targeted treatment.

Speak To A Professional

That would be a podiatrist, who specializes in the health and conditions of the foot. He may be able to identify the reasons behind the ongoing issues with your sprained ankle and offer specialized care and treatment options that are customized to your needs.

Exercising Patience And Persistence

Keep in mind that recovery durations can differ among individuals, and certain sprains may require more time to heal than others. Exercise patience throughout the healing process, and refrain from resuming activities until your ankle has completely recovered to prevent additional complications or re-injury.

Considering Preventative Measures

There are some steps you can take to prevent ankle sprains in the first place. Here are some of those measures you can employ in your daily life.

● Wearing proper footwear: Select suitable footwear for various activities, making sure it offers sufficient support and fits well.

● Ankle bracing or taping: Think about utilizing ankle braces or taping methods to provide extra support during sports or activities that carry a high risk of ankle injuries.

● Remember to warm up and cool down: It is essential to warm up prior to engaging in physical activity and to cool down afterward in order to minimize the risk of injury.

● Do strengthening exercises: Add exercises that strengthen your ankles to your regimen to enhance stability and lower the likelihood of injury.

● Do balance and proprioception training: Engaging in activities that enhance your balance and proprioception, which is your awareness of your body’s position, can aid in the prevention of ankle injuries.

Keep in mind that an ankle sprain is typically classified as such “until proven otherwise.” If an ankle sprain lasts longer than three months, it may indicate damage to a bone, tendon, or ligament that will not heal without appropriate medical intervention. The longer an ankle injury remains untreated, the higher the risk of developing permanent disability. When it becomes evident that the ankle sprain is complex and not responding to standard treatments, the most effective course of action is to refer the patient to a qualified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon.

So, speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you believe that it’s taking longer than normal for your sprained ankle to heal.