Serving Utah Valley
Foot & Ankle Sprains: Expert Care in Orem
Foot and ankle sprains are among the most common injuries we treat. A sprain occurs when the ligaments—the strong, fibrous tissues that connect bones and stabilize your joints—are stretched or torn, typically caused by a sudden twist or roll of the joint.
Whether you’re dealing with a mild twist or a severe injury, seeking professional care is essential for proper healing and preventing chronic instability. At Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, we provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment to get you back on your feet safely.
Recognizing Sprain Symptoms
Ankle and foot sprains are graded by severity (Grade I, II, or III, corresponding to mild stretching up to a complete tear). Common symptoms include:
Pain: Immediate pain at the joint, often sharp initially and dulling to an ache.
Swelling: Rapid swelling around the injured joint.
Bruising: Discoloration that appears shortly after the injury.
Difficulty Bearing Weight: Inability or difficulty walking or putting weight on the injured foot.
Popping Sensation: You may hear or feel a “pop” at the moment of injury (common in Grade II or III sprains).
Ankle Instability
Feeling of “Giving Way”: A sensation that the joint is unstable or unreliable, especially on uneven ground.
Chronic Pain: Persistent aching or pain long after the initial swelling has subsided, indicating poor healing or residual instability.
Effective Treatment for Sprains
Treatment for foot and ankle sprains varies based on the grade of the injury, but always focuses on reducing pain, restoring strength, and preventing re-injury.
Initial Treatment (R.I.C.E. Principle)
For immediate relief and management of mild sprains, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol until you can be seen by a specialist:
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle or foot with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the foot raised above the level of your heart.
Professional Treatment at Hoyal Podiatry
After evaluating your injury (often including X-rays to rule out a fracture), our team prescribes a targeted plan:
- Immobilization: Using an air cast, brace, or walking boot to stabilize the joint and protect the ligaments as they heal.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Prescribing or recommending NSAIDs to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy (Rehabilitation): This is critical for recovery. We guide you through exercises to restore full range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the ankle (peroneals), and rebuild proprioception (your sense of joint position) to prevent future sprains.
- Custom Orthotics: For patients with foot structure issues (like flat feet) that contributed to the sprain, custom orthotics can provide long-term stability.
- Surgical Repair: In rare cases of severe ligament tears or chronic instability that doesn’t respond to therapy, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments.
If you have twisted or rolled your foot or ankle, don’t ignore the pain. Contact Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure complete recovery and long-term joint health.