How your podiatrist in New York, NY, can help you heal from an ankle sprain
Your ankles perform many important functions including supporting your weight and helping you stand and walk. When you experience an ankle sprain, it can dramatically affect your mobility. You want to regain ankle strength and support as quickly as you can, so you should see a podiatrist. Dr. Jennifer Fung-Schwartz in Upper West Side, New York, NY, provides comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of ankle sprains.
Spraining your ankle is easier than you think, especially as you get older, when your joints are not as flexible. Walking on uneven ground, playing sports, stepping off a curb, or exercising without adequate stretching beforehand are just a few factors which can result in a sprained ankle.
Your ankle is a complex area of your body, with many ligaments, tendons, and bones. When you sprain your ankle, these structures are put under stress and can stretch, tear, or break.
You may be tempted to just see if your ankle sprain will go away without treatment. This can be a bad idea, leading to your ankle not healing properly. Poor, inadequate healing can lead to ankle instability, a condition that can cause your ankle to “give way” when you try to move.
When you visit your podiatrist for a sprained ankle, your podiatrist will perform a thorough examination of your ankle and may require imaging studies to evaluate any ankle damage.
For a sprained ankle, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Prescription strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce ankle swelling
- Physical therapy and stretching to increase range of motion and flexibility
- Steroid medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Walking casts or ankle braces for added support so you can stay mobile
For severe sprains involving torn ligaments, tendons, or fractured bones, ankle surgery may be necessary.
To learn more about the importance of seeing a podiatrist when you have sprained your ankle, call Dr. Fung-Schwartz in Upper West Side, New York, NY. You can reach her in the office by calling (212) 678-2333, so call today.