Restore Your Ankle Mobility
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments connecting the bones in your ankle joint are overstretched or torn. If you’ve suffered a sprained ankle, visit Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics in Burnsville or Edina, Minnesota. The experienced team will assess the injury and provide effective treatments to reduce pain and prevent joint instability.
Call Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics or book an appointment online today for a prompt evaluation and personalized care.
Sprained Ankle Q&A
What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle occurs when one or more ligaments—strong bands of connective tissue that stabilize your joints—are stretched or torn. Most sprains affect the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This injury often results from twisting or rolling the ankle and can cause severe pain, along with the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Redness or warmth
- Bruising
- Loss of function
- Tenderness
- Weakness
- Instability
Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic joint instability if not properly treated.
What causes a sprained ankle?
An ankle sprain usually occurs when the joint is bent or twisted beyond its normal range of motion. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Walking or running on uneven surfaces
- Wearing unsupportive or ill-fitting shoes
- Poor jumping or landing techniques
- Tripping or falling
- Participating in high-impact or contact sports
- Previous ankle injuries
- Lack of strength, flexibility, or physical conditioning
You can help prevent sprains by strengthening your ankle muscles, wearing supportive footwear, and warming up properly before exercise or sports.
How is a sprained ankle treated?
Initial treatment for a sprained ankle typically follows the RICE protocol:
- Rest – Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
- Ice – Apply cold packs to reduce swelling.
- Compression – Use a bandage or wrap for support.
- Elevation – Raise the ankle above heart level to reduce swelling.
If symptoms persist beyond a few days or your pain is severe, it’s important to visit Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics for further evaluation. Your provider may order X-rays or other imaging studies to assess the extent of the injury and rule out fractures.
After diagnosing the sprain, your provider will create a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or splinting
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Laser therapy
- Custom-fitted orthotics
- Steroid injections
Most sprained ankles heal well with non-surgical treatment. However, if the ligament is severely damaged or you experience ongoing instability, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Surgical options include ligament imbrication (tightening and overlapping the injured ligament) or full reconstruction using tendon grafts to restore stability.
Get Back on Your Feet
Call Pinnacle Foot & Ankle Clinics or book an appointment online today for expert treatment and fast recovery from a sprained ankle.