Expert Ankle Sprain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
An ankle sprain is one of the most common orthopedic injuries, often occurring during sports, exercise, or everyday activities such as stepping on an uneven surface. While many ankle sprains are mild, untreated ligament injuries can lead to chronic ankle instability, ongoing pain, and recurrent sprains. Prompt evaluation helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic and regenerative medicine specialist providing comprehensive ankle sprain treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC. He carefully evaluates the severity of your injury to determine whether ligaments have been stretched or torn and develops a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your condition, treatment may include rest, bracing, physical therapy, regenerative medicine options when appropriate, or surgical intervention for severe ligament injuries.
Whether you're newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or seeking relief from chronic ankle pain, Dr. Ohlson provides personalized orthopedic care focused on helping you stay active and improve your quality of life.
Whether your injury occurred during sports, running, work, or a simple misstep, Dr. Ohlson is committed to helping you recover safely, restore ankle stability, and return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments connect adjacent bones and provide stability to a joint. An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when you suddenly fall or twist the ankle joint, or when you land your foot in an awkward position after a jump. Most commonly, it occurs when you participate in sports, or jump or run on a surface that is irregular.
What are the Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, stiffness, and inability to walk or bear weight on the ankle.
How are Ankle Sprains Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an ankle sprain is usually made by evaluating the history of the injury and through a thorough physical examination of the ankle. X-ray(s) of your ankle may be ordered by your doctor to determine the presence of a fracture.
What are the Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains?
The most common treatment recommended for ankle sprains is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
- Rest: You should not move or use the injured foot to reduce pain and prevent further damage. Crutches may be ordered to limit weight-bearing while walking.
- Ice: An ice-pack should be applied over the injured area for up to 3 days after the injury. You can use a cold pack or crushed ice wrapped in a towel. Never place ice directly over your skin. Ice packs help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Compression: Compression of the injured area helps to reduce swelling and bruising. This is usually accomplished by using an elastic wrap for a few days or weeks after the injury.
- Elevation: Place the injured ankle above your heart level for about 2 to 3 hours a day to reduce swelling.
Your doctor may also apply a brace or splint to reduce motion of the ankle. Anti-inflammatory pain medications may be prescribed to help reduce pain and control inflammation.
What is the Rehabilitation for an Ankle Sprain?
During your recovery, rehabilitation exercises are recommended to strengthen and improve range of motion in your foot. You may need to wear a brace or wrap to support and protect your ankle during sports activities. Avoid pivoting and twisting movements for 2 to 3 weeks. To prevent further sprains or recurrence of injury, you may need to wear a semi-rigid ankle brace during exercise, special wraps, and high-top lace shoes.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Ankle Sprain Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Proper treatment of an ankle sprain is essential to prevent chronic pain and repeated injuries. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides individualized orthopedic care focused on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term ankle stability.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, SC, choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluation of mild, moderate, and severe ankle sprains
- Expertise in diagnosing ligament injuries and associated fractures
- Personalized non-surgical treatment plans tailored to each patient
- Advanced imaging when needed for accurate diagnosis
- Rehabilitation programs focused on restoring strength, balance, and mobility
- Surgical treatment options for severe or unstable ligament injuries
- Patient-centered care designed to promote complete recovery and prevent future sprains
Dr. Ohlson develops individualized treatment plans to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients confidently return to work, sports, and everyday life.
Ankle Sprain FAQs
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually after the foot twists or rolls inward or outward unexpectedly.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
Common symptoms include:
- Ankle pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Difficulty walking
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty bearing weight
How are ankle sprains diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes a review of your injury, a physical examination, and X-rays to rule out fractures. In some cases, MRI or other imaging studies may be recommended if a more severe ligament injury is suspected.
How are ankle sprains treated?
Many ankle sprains respond well to conservative treatment, including:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation (RICE)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or splinting
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is uncommon but may be recommended for severe ligament tears, chronic ankle instability, or injuries that fail to improve with appropriate conservative treatment.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains often improve within a few weeks, while moderate or severe ligament injuries may require several weeks to several months, particularly if rehabilitation or surgery is needed.
Can I continue exercising after an ankle sprain?
You should avoid activities that place stress on the injured ankle until your physician advises it is safe. Returning to sports too early can increase the risk of reinjury and chronic instability.
How can I prevent future ankle sprains?
You can reduce your risk by strengthening the muscles around the ankle, improving balance, wearing supportive footwear, warming up before exercise, and using an ankle brace during high-risk sports if recommended by your physician.
Schedule an Ankle Sprain Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you've twisted your ankle, are experiencing persistent pain or swelling, or have suffered repeated ankle sprains, early evaluation can help ensure proper healing and prevent long-term instability.
Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive ankle sprain treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering personalized care ranging from conservative treatment and rehabilitation to advanced surgical options when necessary.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and begin your recovery with expert orthopedic care.