FAQ: Sprained Ankle When To See An Orthopedist?

Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for ankle pain?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.

Do podiatrists treat sprained ankles?

See a doctor: A podiatrist can diagnose and treat an ankle sprain. Your doctor may order x-rays to determine if you have a broken bone in your ankle. You may receive an ankle brace to keep your ankle from moving and allow ligaments to heal. Your doctor will also give you medications to reduce swelling and pain.

What will a doctor do for a sprained ankle?

Depending on the severity of the sprain, your doctor may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape or an ankle support brace to stabilize the ankle. In the case of a severe sprain, a cast or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle while it heals.

How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?

There are three grades for ankle sprains determined by the amount of force.

1. Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness.
2. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising.

What’s the difference between podiatrist and orthopedist?

Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists work side by side in hospitals and in the same group practices. The main difference lies in the body systems they treat. Orthopedic surgeons are concerned with bones, muscles, ligaments and joints throughout the body. Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors and surgeons.

What type of doctor should I see for ankle pain?

Both podiatrists and orthopedic physicians can effectively treat ankle injuries and conditions. However, it is best to see a podiatrist who has a wealth of experience and education treating foot and ankle issues.

Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?

Yes. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

Why is my sprained ankle not healing?

Farber, ” Non – healing ankle sprains are typically caused by discreet damage to the interior bones, cartilage and ligaments of the foot or at its junction with the tibia and fibula.” For this reason, and because these injuries may also involve entrapped fluid or impinging scar tissue, many reasons for persistent pain

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in one to three weeks with proper rest and non-surgical care( such as applying ice). Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks. Because of limited blood flow to the ligaments of the ankle, more severe injuries may take between three and six months to heal.

Is bruising a good sign with a sprained ankle?

Bruising is severe. The joint does not seem to work properly or feels unstable after the pain and swelling have gone down. This may be a sign of an additional injury such as a torn tendon or a syndesmotic sprain. Symptoms and swelling do not gradually settle.

Should I go to ER for sprained ankle?

Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.

What’s the difference between a twisted ankle and a sprained ankle?

Most people have twisted an ankle at some point in their life. But if your ankle gets swollen and painful after you twist it, you have most likely sprained it. This means you have stretched and possibly torn the ligaments in your ankle. Even though ankle sprains are common, they are not always minor injuries.

What not to do when you have a sprained ankle?

Avoid putting any weight on the ankle, as this increases the risk of broken bones and other injuries. Sit in a comfortable position, with the ankle elevated to reduce swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can also help alleviate swelling and pain.

Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?

Walking on a sprained ankle is not advised. After a sprain occurs, it needs time to heal before weight-bearing. Walking or weight bearing too soon may slow healing or cause further damage.

How long do Grade 2 ankle sprains take to heal?

Grade 2 ankle sprains involve greater injury to the ligament and can take up 4-6 weeks to allow full return to sport.