Treating Your Ankle Sprain

Have you recently hurt your foot and feel pain in your ankle? If so, you may be dealing with a sprain. Corey Bess, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Chiropodist at Hamilton Foot Care in Hamilton, ON, provides expert care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including ankle sprains.

What Is a Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments—the tough bands of tissue that connect bones in your ankle—stretch or tear. This often happens due to an awkward movement, such as twisting or rolling your foot, which forces the ligaments beyond their normal range. Most sprains occur on the outer side of the ankle and are common during abrupt changes in movement, such as in sports like basketball or while running on uneven surfaces.

What Are the Symptoms?

A sprained ankle may cause a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness in the ankle area
• Swelling or bruising
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain that worsens when bearing weight or walking

These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the extent of the ligament damage.

How Is It Treated?

When you visit Corey Bess at Hamilton Foot Care in Hamilton, ON, for an ankle sprain, the treatment plan will depend on the severity of your injury. The process often starts with imaging tests, such as X-rays, to assess the damage and rule out fractures.

Most ankle sprains can be treated with conservative measures, including:

• R.I.C.E. Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Braces or Splints: To stabilize the ankle and prevent further injury.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription medications may help manage pain and inflammation.
• Personalized Exercise Programs: At Hamilton Foot Care, we provide customized programs you can begin at home to support your recovery.

For moderate to severe sprains:

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve ankle strength, range of motion, and flexibility as you recover.
• Surgical Intervention: Rarely required, but in severe cases of torn ligaments, surgery may be necessary. Corey will guide you through your options if this is needed.

Why Choose Hamilton Foot Care?

At Hamilton Foot Care, we combine expertise with personalized care. Corey Bess brings extensive training as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and practicing Chiropodist to every case, ensuring the best treatment plan for your needs. Whether your ankle sprain is mild or severe, we’re here to help you recover and regain mobility.

Contact Hamilton Foot Care Today

If you're suffering from an ankle sprain in Hamilton, ON, don't let it slow you down. Corey Bess and the team at Hamilton Foot Care are ready to help. Call 905-389-9711 today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery.