Do I Need to See a Doctor for My Ankle Sprain?

Ankle sprains are common, with over two million ankle sprains reported to emergency rooms each year. The actual number is likely much higher once you factor in people who don’t seek medical care.

While some sprains heal with rest and home care, others can cause long-term damage if not treated properly. Some may even require surgery. So, how do you know when to see a doctor?

At Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, our team regularly diagnoses and treats foot injuries, including fractures and sprains. We’re here to help you understand what to expect and how to heal properly from a foot fracture.

All about sprains

When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments that support it stretch too far or tear, usually from a twist, roll, or awkward step. A sprain is one of the most common injuries, ranging from mild to severe.

Grade 1 (mild)

A Grade 1 sprain means your ligament is stretched or has a slight tear. You may have some swelling and discomfort, but you can usually still walk.

Grade 2 (moderate)

If you sustain a grade 2 sprain, your ligament is partially torn. This often causes more swelling, bruising, and pain, and may make walking difficult.

Grade 3 (severe)

The ligament in a grade 3 sprain is completely torn, causing significant swelling, instability, and an inability to bear weight without pain.

Why seeing a podiatrist matters 

If you have mild swelling and discomfort but can still walk, you may have a minor sprain that will heal at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the R.I.C.E. method). 

That said, you can still benefit from podiatric care. Seeing a doctor for your ankle sprain can help:

Prevent chronic ankle instability

Even if your ankle feels better after a few days, untreated sprains can heal incorrectly, which can lead to chronic ankle instability, chronic pain, or recurring sprains. 

Chronic ankle instability is a condition where your ankle repeatedly gives out, especially during physical activity or on uneven surfaces. It often develops after one or more ankle sprains that haven't fully healed and can lead to weakened ligaments and poor joint support.

Treat comorbid fractures

A foot and ankle specialist, like one of our experts, can assess your injury and rule out a fracture. This is an important detail because 22.8% of people with an ankle sprain also have a fracture. That’s roughly one in five people.

What to expect during your ankle evaluation 

When you visit Manhattan Podiatry Associates for a sprained ankle, we start with a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and on-site imaging like digital X-rays or ultrasound, to check for ligament damage or a fracture. 

Based on the severity of your sprain, our team develops a personalized treatment plan that may include rest, bracing, compression wraps, physical therapy, or, if needed, surgery. 

Our priority isn’t only to relieve your current pain but also to strengthen your ankle and prevent future injuries.

Injured ankle? Give us a call

If you’ve injured your ankle, visit Manhattan Podiatry Associates for an exam and imaging. We provide a clear diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back on your feet safely.

Call our location of your choice or click here to schedule an appointment with our team today.