Ligaments help stabilize joints and prevent excessive movement. When you roll or twist your ankle in an awkward position, this can result in stretching or tearing of these bands of tissue. Usually, ankle sprains occur to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.

Some people are more prone to develop ankle sprains than others. Some risk factors are:
Not warming up before exercise or sports activity. Without preworkout warm-up, the muscles remain tight and not very flexible. This increases the risk for tears, ankle sprains and strains.
Being overweight. Carrying excess weight can increase the risk for ligaments and muscles to be stretched or torn during activities.

Poor conditioning before strenuous activities. Without proper stretching and strengthening exercises prior to strenuous sports, this puts you at increased risk for ankle sprain or strain during activity.

Walking or running on uneven surfaces likewise can put you at risk of ankle injury.
Wearing inappropriate footwear can also cause an ankle sprain.

Muscle fatigue, such as when running marathons put the ankles at risk because of the amount of stress they are putting on the joints.

Millions of people are affected by ankle sprains each year. Many of these cases will suffer from re-injury and/or chronic ankle disability, because of improper management of the initial injury.
For patients suspecting ankle sprain or strain, it is best to see a podiatrist immediately. This is particularly true for people with a history of repeated ankle injuries.

Studies have shown that around 4 out of 10 cases of acute ankle sprains can result in residual ankle symptoms at six months. Around 20% of acute ankle sprains can lead to residual ankle pain, instability, and other chronic problems. Weakness in the leg may also develop.

With severe ankle injury, there might be an accompanying serious bone fracture that could lead to severe complications if left undiagnosed and untreated.

For a sprained ankle, rehabilitation should begin right away. If this is not addressed immediately, the injury may less likely heal properly. Thus, you should not ignore a sprained ankle because this can become a bigger problem later on.

For more information on ankle sprains, you may contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com

Family Foot and Leg Center has several Centers from Collier, Lee, & Charlotte Counties to quickly resolve all your foot and ankle problems.

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!