Ankle Injuries

An ankle injury may affect any component of this complex joint. Types of ankle injuries include:

Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are common ankle injuries. A sprain is an injury to the ligament, the strong connective tissue that supports the stability and mobility of the joint. 

A misstep, sudden pivot of the foot, or fall may cause a sprained ankle. Ankle sprains may be mild with slight overstretching of the ligament, or severe resulting in a complete tear.

Fractures
Ankle fractures, a break in one or more of the bones in the joint, are also common ankle injuries.

Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Overuse is a common cause of tendonitis.  

Achilles tendon rupture
Achilles tendon injuries are a type of ankle injury. An Achilles tendon rupture means you have a complete or partial tear of the tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel of your foot.

An Achilles tendon rupture requires immediate medical attention. 

You may be able to treat a minor ankle injury, like a mildly sprained ankle, at home. However, you should get medical attention for your ankle injury if you have:

• Severe ankle pain
• Ankle swelling
• Obvious deformity
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle

You should also seek medical attention for your ankle injury from the experts at Innovation Medical Group if your symptoms fail to improve within a few days of at-home care.

Without proper attention, an ankle sprain can turn into a chronic problem.

The team at Innovation Medical Group conducts comprehensive clinical exams to diagnose ankle injuries. They review your symptoms and the circumstances, as well as your medical history. 

Your provider examines your ankle, assessing structure, strength, and mobility. Then, they perform imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

The Innovation Medical Group team customizes care for ankle injuries based on injury type. Treatment may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Activity modification
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy
• Casting

In some cases, such as an Achilles tendon rupture that fails to heal with medical intervention, the team may recommend surgery to repair the damage. Ankle fractures may also require surgery to reset the bones before casting.