Quick Answer: When Should Ankle Sprain Be Referred To Orthopedist?

When should I see an orthopedist for a sprained ankle?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

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.

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What kind of doctor looks at sprained ankles?

For evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of an ankle sprain, you may see: An emergency medicine doctor. A primary care professional ( family medicine doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, general practitioner, or internist). An orthopedist.

What does a torn ligament in ankle feel like?

Symptoms: Signs of a ligament rupture of the ankle joint After your ankle rolls, a sudden shooting pain typically occurs. Some report a crunching or cracking noise. The first signs of a ligament tear are severe swelling and bruising. In a low ankle sprain, the bruise can track into the foot and the toes.

What does a Grade 2 ankle sprain look like?

Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Although it feels somewhat stable, the damaged areas are tender to the touch and walking is painful. Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament(s) with severe 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 is the difference between a podiatrist and a foot and ankle specialist?

The primary and most important difference is the level of training each completes. Altogether, a foot and ankle surgeon will have 10+ years of training. Podiatrists attend podiatry school for four years followed by a 2-3 year residency. Altogether, a podiatrist will have 6-7 years of training.

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What type of doctor treats ankle problems?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). A podiatrist has specialized training to treat disorders of the foot and ankle.

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 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.

Can a sprained ankle get worse?

If your symptoms last more than a week without getting better, or if they seem to be getting worse and are accompanied by a fever, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. More severe sprains should be treated by a healthcare provider.

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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.

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