It happens to the best of us. Whether you're engaged in sports activities, dancing, or just step into that proverbial pothole, you go one way and your foot goes another. Unlike many joints, the ankle cannot move side to side.

Because it has a limited range of motion, it's easy to force the ankle momentarily into a position it's not meant to go during exercise or other activities. The result usually is a stretch or tear of the ankle's connecting ligaments.

It often is difficult to tell whether you have a sprain or a fracture. Both are accompanied by pain and swelling. You may hear or feel a pop or a snap at the time of injury. It often is possible to continue to walk.

Since an ankle injury can have serious long-term negative consequences, it's best to see your podiatrist immediately for a professional evaluation. But until you can get to the office, try to keep the affected ankle elevated above your heart. This will help control the swelling. You might also apply ice wrapped in a cloth or towel along with mild compression as soon as possible. Obviously you should keep your weight off the ankle to avoid aggravating the injury.

X-rays and clinical examinations will determine the extent of the injury. Treatment may include taping or a cast for protection. Surgery may be needed to realign a fracture or repair a torn ligament. Physical therapy is often helpful to speed rehabilitation.

Remember that even after professional treatment, once you've sprained your ankle, you're prone to sprain it again, so take some protective measures. The more external support your ankle has, the less likely you are to re-injure it. High-top athletic shoes cover the ankle and provide more support than lower cut shoes, reducing the risk of a sprain. A good preventive measure is to wrap your ankle with athletic tape or use a removable ankle brace when exercising. 

Minor sprains should heal within a few weeks, but your podiatrist will have more specific instructions to promote recovery and prevent a re-injury of the ankle.

Can a podiatrist help you? We make it easy to find out. Here's how....

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The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.

You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.