Sprained Ankles: Your Questions Answered

Fall sports are in full force, and when playing sports, injuries are a common and unfortunate part of physical activities. And one of the most common injuries we see is sprained ankles. Today Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry is answering some of the most commonly asked questions he gets regarding sprained ankles.

Many people don’t view a sprained ankle as a severe injury, but it is important to care for it properly so more serious problems don’t develop. Following are answers to the questions we are asked most often about sprained ankles.

Can I just walk off the pain?

Even if you think you can tolerate the pain, the first thing you should do it sit down and elevate your foot. Placing unnecessary pressure on your foot can cause a more serious injury in the future that will take even longer to heal completely.

If I begin to feel better, can I return to the game?

The simple answer to this is NO. Because your ankle is already vulnerable, it is at risk for more serious injuries. If you continue to put pressure on the injured ankle, it can cause more injury and lead to more severe pain. Give your body the rest it needs to recover.

Should I take my shoes off or leave them on?

A common myth regarding ankle sprains is that you should leave your shoe on your foot to reduce swelling. In fact, this can actually cause more future damage. You should immediately remove your shoe and apply ice to relieve swelling and pain.

What is the right action to take?

Immediately after your injury, the best treatment method is R.I.C.E. which stands for rest, ice, compress and elevate.  Sit down and apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and elevate your foot. This helps pull blood away from the injured area to diminish swelling and restore normal blood flow.

If you think you or your child may have a sprained ankle, contact the office of Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry right away to schedule an appointment.

You can reach Three Village Podiatry at (631) 474-3338, North Fork Podiatry (Southold) at (631) 765-6777 or North Fork Podiatry (Riverhead) at (631) 419-7107 or schedule your appointment online.