What you need to know about a sprained ankle
You love being outdoors, taking a hike in beautiful surroundings. If you are looking around, enjoying the beautiful scenery, it’s very easy to stumble on uneven ground and twist your ankle. You can sprain your ankle by stretching and tearing the ligaments and tendons 
holding your bones and muscles together. Your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton and Kensington, Maryland want you to know what to do if you sprain your ankle.
You can recognize a sprained ankle if you experience certain signs and symptoms. Your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland want you to look for:
- Swelling and bruising around your ankle
- Pain when you try to put weight on your foot
- Inability to move your ankle, or restricted movement
- A popping sound when you experience the injury
If you think you might have a sprained ankle, your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland want you to try these simple home remedies to get relief:
- Rest your ankle; avoid doing things that are painful
- Ice your ankle; use ice packs every 2 to 3 hours
- Wrap your ankle in a compression bandage to reduce swelling
- Elevate your ankle to drain excess fluid and reduce swelling
For bad sprains or sprains that don’t respond to home treatments, it’s best to visit your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland. They have several effective treatments to treat your ankle and relieve your pain. They may suggest:
- Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
- Using crutches, splints or other devices when you walk
- Physical therapy exercises to increase range of motion and strength
- Wearing a walking boot or cast to keep your ankle joint stable
- Surgery to repair torn ligaments
It’s best to prevent ankle sprains before they occur by always wearing supportive shoes, especially for hiking or walking on uneven ground. You should also wear the right shoes for the sport or activity you are doing. It’s helps to be in good condition for your activity, with strong, flexible muscles.
If you’ve sprained your ankle, it may not heal by itself. Don’t worry, because help is just a phone call away. Your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland have several office locations for your convenience including Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton, and Kensington, Maryland. Call today and feel better tomorrow!