Quick Answer: When To See An Orthopedist For Ankle Sprain?

Should I see an orthopedist for ankle sprain?

For foot and ankle care, podiatrists and orthopedists are both qualified medical specialists you can consult. The best choice is to go for a podiatrist who has extensive experience diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle disorders.

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.

Is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopedist?

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.

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 long should you stay off a sprained ankle?

Sprained Ankle Outlook Most ankle sprains heal with no problems. You should feel much better after 2 weeks. Up to a third of people still have some pain after a year. Once the swelling has gone down and you can walk without pain, you can probably start exercises to build flexibility and strength.

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.

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 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.

Is it better to put ice or heat on a sprained ankle?

For most injuries, ice is recommended during the first 24 to 48 hours. This helps reduce the pain and swelling that are part of the inflammatory stage of healing. You can switch to heat when the ankle swelling goes away. The area should not be red or hot to the touch.

Are podiatrist real doctors?

Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government. A DPM is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases and injuries.

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.

Do podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis?

The pain of plantar fasciitis can sometimes be confused with heel spurs or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Your podiatrist can provide the correct diagnosis for any foot pain you are suffering.

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.

How do I know if I tore a ligament in my ankle?

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. A large swelling can appear on the outer side of your ankle. You will often no longer be able to put your full weight on the foot because of the pain.

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.