3 Major Risks of Dismissing an Ankle Sprain

“It’s just a sprain, I’ll walk it off.”

We’ve all heard it, maybe even said it ourselves. But when it comes to ankle sprains, that “tough it out” mentality can be a recipe for disaster.

While a mild sprain might heal on its own with proper rest, dismissing an ankle injury without proper evaluation and treatment can lead to significant long-term problems. For this post, Cypress Foot & Ankle Center will highlight three major risks you take when you don’t take an ankle sprain seriously, then cover how you can avoid them.

Risk #1: Chronic Ankle Instability – The Wobble That Won’t Quit

• What Happens: An ankle sprain stretches or tears the ligaments that provide stability to the ankle joint. If these ligaments don’t heal properly, they can become lax, leading to chronic ankle instability.
• What It Feels Like:
  • A feeling of looseness or “giving way” in the ankle.
  • Frequent rolling or twisting of the ankle, even on level ground.
  • Persistent discomfort and swelling.
• The Long-Term Impact: Chronic instability significantly increases your risk of recurrent sprains, creating a vicious cycle of injury and instability. It can limit your ability to participate in sports and even make everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult.

Risk #2: Recurrent Ankle Sprains, Setting You Up for a Fall

• What Happens: When an ankle sprain is not treated properly, the ligaments do not get a chance to fully recover.
• What It Feels Like:
  • Recurring pain and swelling, especially after longer periods of walking or standing.
  • Reduced range of motion in the ankle and foot.
• The Long-Term Impact: When an ankle sprain recurs again and again, the result is an increased likelihood of more serious injuries, such as fractures or arthritis. You might also face higher odds of suffering bunions due to instability and bone shifting.

Risk #3: Early-Onset Osteoarthritis – The Joint Damage Dilemma

• What Happens: Repeated ankle sprains and chronic instability damage the cartilage within the ankle joint. Cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the bones and allows for frictionless movement. Damage to this cartilage can lead to the development of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.
• What It Feels Like:
  • Chronic, deep pain in the ankle joint.
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning (like plantar fasciitis) or after periods of inactivity.
  • Swelling and inflammation around the ankle.
  • Reduced range of motion and difficulty walking.
• The Long-Term Impact: Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. While there are treatments to manage the symptoms, there is no cure. Early-onset arthritis means facing these challenges sooner and potentially for a longer period of your life.

Sprained Your Ankle? Schedule an Evaluation Today!

Even if your ankle sprain seems mild, seek professional evaluation from a podiatrist! We’ll start by determining the severity of your sprain, ruling out other injuries, and exploring “Ankle Foot Orthoses,” orthotics designed specifically for stability and support.

Whether you’re experiencing pain, concerned about a deformity, or simply seeking preventative care, Cypress Foot & Ankle Center offers a wide range of services to address all your foot and ankle needs. While we focus on nonsurgical treatments, our team also provides advanced surgical procedures when necessary, using the latest technologies to ensure superior outcomes. If you’re in need, call (281) 377-4040 or contact us online!