Find out how osteopathic medicine can improve your ankle injuries.
An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries we see, especially among athletes and runners. If you are dealing with an ankle sprain, you may not need to turn to a podiatrist to get the proper evaluation and treatment you need. Here at Biggers Family Medicine, our Brandon, FL, family medicine doctors Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers also specialize in osteopathic medicine, which provides hands-on manual therapy to improve your symptoms and to help re-strengthen the ligaments of the ankle.
Signs of an Ankle Sprain
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a sprained ankle. Remember, you don’t have to be tackled or playing sports to sprain an ankle. Anything that twists the ligaments in the ankle can lead to a sprain. Common signs include:
- Pain and swelling
- Bruising
- Limping or pain with movement
- Weakness and instability
When to See a Doctor
While minor symptoms may be treated with rest and home care, it’s often important to turn to our Brandon, FL, family medicine team to determine that it’s a sprain and to find out the severity of the injury (which will also determine the type of treatment you require). You should call us right away if you:
- Have severe pain and swelling
- Notice a sudden deformity or change in the shape of the foot
- Notice numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Are unable to move the ankle or foot
- Can’t put weight on the injured foot or ankle
Osteopathic Treatment for Ankle Sprains
Any doctor that specializes in osteopathic medicine will recommend that you avoid putting any weight on the foot for at least 24 hours after your injury. It’s important to rest, ice the injured foot and take anti-inflammatory medications to ease and manage symptoms. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method is great for treating minor sprains and ankle injuries.
More severe sprains may require bracing, a boot, or crutches. We will often prescribe physical therapy and special exercises to help rebuild and strengthen the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the ankle and surrounding areas to prevent future injuries.
If you are interested in the osteopath approach to care that our Brandon, FL family medicine doctors offer and want to find out how it can improve your ankle sprain or other injuries, then call Biggers Family Medicine today at (813) 655-4646 to schedule an evaluation.