FootandAnkleSurgeon Why Won't My Ankle Sprain Heal? by Suneel K. Basra, DPM, FACFAS (NAPSA)—Asa foot and ankle surgeon,I often hear“Its just a sprain, no big deal? Sometimes, however, a sprain can be, or become, serious. Sprained ankles are painful and can temporarily limit a patient's ability to walk normally, so accurate diagnosis andtreatment are necessary for properhealing. When a foot and ankle surgeon examines your ankle, he or she can determine the location andseverity of SuneelK. Basra, DPM, FACFAS the sprain, if the ligamentis partially orfully torn, and if there is a broken boneordislocationofthe joint. All this affects treatment and recovery. A bone typically heals in six to eight weeks; a ligament sprain can take three to six months. Most ankle injuries—roughly 80 percent—require no surgical intervention.Ifjust the outer ligamentis injured, wecantypically reduce pain and swell- ing with a combinationofice, wraps and restto lessen the chance offurthertear- ingofthe ligament. The other 20 percent of patients mightnot have sought immediatecare, and whatbegan as less severe sprain may have turned moresevere, possibly requiringsurgery. Sprains not adequately rehabilitated or repeat injuries can cause chronic ankle instability—marked by persistent discomfort and a giving way of the ankle from stretched ortorn ligaments. Proper rehabilitation and treatment can strengthen the muscles around the ankle and retrain the tissues within the anklethataffect balance to help prevent further sprains or injuries. Surgery is sometimesalso needed. For more information or to find a foot and ankle surgeon nearyou,visit www.FootHealthFacts.org, the Ameri- can College ofFoot and Ankle Surgeons’ patient education website. + Dr. Basra is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Memberof the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
