What Is the Best Treatment for an Ankle Sprain?

Some 2 million Americans sprain an ankle every year. Sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, and while a sprained ankle might seem minor, getting the right treatment early on is essential for a full recovery.

An untreated (or improperly) treated sprain can lead to lingering ankle pain, instability, and a higher risk of future injuries. So, what’s the best treatment for an ankle sprain?

Our team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in North Miami Beach, Florida, is here to help. We provide prompt, expert care for ankle sprains to make sure your joint heals properly and stays strong long term.

The basics of ankle sprains

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that stabilize your ankle get stretched or torn, usually from a sudden twist or roll. Sprains can happen during sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or simply taking an awkward step. 

Common symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight or walking
• A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury

Ligaments wrap the inside, front, and outside of your ankle, but sprains most commonly affect the outside (lateral) part of the ankle. Sprains range in severity from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade III), and the right treatment depends on the extent of your injury.

Why proper treatment matters

Many people try to walk off a sprain or rely solely on home care, but even a mild sprain benefits from professional evaluation. Without proper treatment, your ligament may not heal correctly, which can cause long-term ankle instability, chronic pain, and a higher chance of re-spraining the same joint.

Seeking orthopedic care when you sprain your ankle is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan to support healing and protect your ankle in the future.

How to treat a sprained ankle

At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, our goal is to relieve your pain, promote healing, and help you regain full strength and mobility following an ankle sprain. When you come in for sprain care, we start with a thorough physical exam and, if needed, X-rays or an MRI to rule out fractures or more serious damage.

We diagnose your injury and develop a personalized treatment plan. The RICE method is the first step for most mild to moderate sprains and includes:

• Rest to avoid further injury
• Ice to reduce swelling
• Compression with a wrap or brace
• Elevation above heart level to decrease swelling

Depending on the severity of your sprain, we might recommend a brace, boot, or crutches to stabilize your ankle joint and prevent further damage.

Once the initial swelling and pain subside, rehabilitation is essential. Physical therapy helps restore range of motion, build strength, and improve balance — all key to preventing future sprains.

For Grade III sprains with complete ligament tears, or in cases of chronic ankle instability, we may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct your ligaments.

Ankle sprains can happen to anyone, but prompt, personalized care helps you heal fully and protect your ankle from future injuries. 

If you’ve twisted your ankle or you’re dealing with lingering ankle pain, don’t wait. Call our office to schedule an appointment or check in online to get started. You can also just walk in.