Does My Ankle Sprain Need Professional Care?

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, accounting for millions of urgent care visits each year. While some sprains are mild and heal with rest, others require medical attention to prevent long-term problems. The challenge is knowing when to treat a sprain at home and when to see a podiatrist.

At Proactive Podiatry, led by Dr. Latika Hinduja, DPM, we provide expert care for ankle sprains and other foot and ankle injuries in Monaca and Wexford, PA. Our services include urgent podiatry care, on-site diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and advanced options like regenerative stem cell therapy, SoftWave laser therapy, and Class IV laser therapy for patients seeking faster recovery, including relief from neuropathy-related pain. We also treat related conditions, such as fractures and ingrown toenails, that can complicate healing

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In this article, we’ll cover the signs of a severe ankle sprain, how to know if professional care is needed, risks of ignoring sprains, and how podiatrists treat ankle injuries effectively.

Understanding Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, the strong bands of tissue that connect bones, are stretched or torn, usually after rolling or twisting the ankle. This injury is common in athletes, but it can happen to anyone after stepping on uneven ground or missing a step.

Ankle Sprain Symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain when bearing weight.
• Swelling and tenderness.
• Bruising around the ankle.
• Instability or weakness when walking.

Mild sprains may improve with rest, but severe cases can mimic fractures or lead to long-lasting instability without treatment.

Signs Your Ankle Sprain May Be Severe

It’s not always easy to judge how serious an ankle injury is. Some key warning signs that suggest you should seek professional care include:

• Significant swelling or bruising appearing within hours of injury.
• Inability to walk more than a few steps without pain.
• Feeling of instability, as if the ankle may “give out.”
• Persistent pain that does not improve after two days of home care.
• Visible deformity, which may indicate a fracture.

These symptoms suggest more than a mild sprain and should not be ignored.

Differentiating Mild vs. Serious Injuries

• A mild sprain (Grade 1) involves stretched ligaments with minimal swelling. These often improve with rest and careful activity.
• A moderate sprain (Grade 2) involves a partial ligament tear, leading to noticeable swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
• A severe sprain (Grade 3) is a complete ligament tear, often leaving patients unable to bear weight and at risk of chronic ankle instability.

Because ankle fractures can look similar to sprains, an X-ray or advanced imaging is sometimes the only way to confirm what’s happening inside the joint.

Risks of Untreated Ankle Sprains

Ignoring or under-treating an ankle sprain increases the risk of:

• Chronic ankle pain that limits activity.
• Recurrent sprains due to weakened ligaments.
• Arthritis in the ankle joint over time.
• Balance problems leading to falls or further injuries.

Even if you can walk on a sprained ankle, untreated damage can cause long-term complications. Professional care ensures the injury heals correctly.

When to Schedule a Podiatry Appointment

You should see a podiatrist if:

• Pain and swelling don’t improve after 48 hours.
• You can’t walk or bear weight comfortably.
• You hear a popping sound at the time of injury.
• You have frequent ankle sprains or weakness.
• You have diabetes or circulation problems, which increase the risk of ankle injuries.

At Proactive Podiatry, our urgent care clinic in Monaca provides same-day ankle evaluations, including on-site digital X-rays to rule out fractures.

How Podiatrists Diagnose and Treat Ankle Sprains

Diagnosis

Your podiatrist will:

• Assess swelling, tenderness, and ankle stability.
• Check mobility and ligament strength.
• Use imaging like X-rays or MRI to rule out fractures and advanced ligament injuries.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

Treatment is based on severity and your activity level:

• Conservative Care: The PRICE method (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is recommended for early healing. Braces, crutches, or supportive footwear may help protect the ankle.
• Medication: Over-the-counter NSAIDs reduce swelling and pain.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy rebuilds strength, restores flexibility, and helps prevent reinjury.

Advanced Treatments at Proactive Podiatry

For patients with significant injuries or slow healing, we offer:

• Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy – Uses concentrated healing cells to repair ligament damage, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery.
• SoftWave Laser Therapy – A non-invasive option that improves blood flow, reduces pain, and stimulates natural tissue repair.
• Class IV Laser Therapy – FDA-approved and non-invasive, this advanced therapy is particularly beneficial for conditions like neuropathy, where it can reduce nerve pain, improve circulation, and support faster tissue healing.

These treatments are particularly effective for athletes, active patients, and those who want to return to daily life with less downtime.

How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal?

Recovery depends on severity:

• Mild sprains: About 2 weeks.
• Moderate sprains: 4–6 weeks.
• Severe sprains: 8–12 weeks or longer if surgery is required.

With proper podiatric care, especially advanced treatments, many patients experience faster, more reliable healing.

Protecting Your Ankle Health

Ankle sprains may seem minor, but without proper care, they can lead to lasting pain and instability. The key is knowing when to seek professional help. At Proactive Podiatry, serving Monaca and Wexford, PA, we provide same-day urgent care, advanced diagnostics, and customized ankle sprain treatment to support safe recovery.

Whether you’re dealing with a mild sprain or a more serious injury, we’ll help you get back on your feet with confidence. Call us at (724) 775-6168 or Book Your Appointment Online today.

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