“My daughter sprained her ankle in gym?”
My daughter sprained her ankle in gym and is in pain. What type of specialist do I see for this injury?
7 Answers
Ortho preferably sports or pediatric
Sports medicine or orthopedics. X-rays are usually recommended to make sure there is no fracture.
You should see: a sports medicine specialist (either surgeon or non-surgeon), a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, or a Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practicioner that works with a sports medicine specialist or orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon.
Otherwise here is the typical approach to ankle sprains:
About 10,000 ankle sprains happen in the US every day and are often under treated by primary care docs and other health care providers.
Simple treatments such as rest, elevation, ice and compression are good in the first 12-24 hours, but a few more modalities are needed after this.
Keep in mind a sprain of any joint in the human body by definition is an injury to the stabilizing ligaments of that joint. They are either stretched (Grade 1), partial torn (Grade 2) or completely torn or ruptured (Grade 3). Thus, depending on the severity an ankle sprain can sometimes indeed be as bad as a bone fracture.
With bad sprains (severe swelling, bruising, pain, limp while walking or inability to walk) an orthopedic walking boot (easily purchased online) is recommended for the first 10-14 days. This provides rigid immobilization and support to the ankle, facilitating decreased swelling and pain, and allowing the patient to walk. If the sprain is not as bad, or after the boot, a medical grade brace that can be worn with a shoe is recommended, such as an ASO brace (again available online). This provides support and compression but is less cumbersome than the boot. This is typically worn for about 6-8 weeks.
In addition, during the first 2-3 weeks of a sprain the body is generating an inflammatory reaction around the ankle joint in response to the injury. To address this one should consider the use of an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, motrin or aleve. Take an appropriate dose 2-3 times per day. Obviously consult with your primary care doc if there are any concerns about taking this if you have other medical conditions.
Lastly, the #1 reason to have long lasting issues after an ankle sprain is the lack of appropriate rehabilitation. Meaning, physical therapy is important. So, at a minimum one should work with a physical therapist for at least 2-3 visits to be taught an extensive home exercise program and be educated on the equipment needed to do this (theraband & BAPS board, both available online).
If after 10-12 weeks significant pain or instability (ankle rolling frequently even with brace) persist then seek evaluation with a foot and ankle trained orthopedic surgeon.
Otherwise here is the typical approach to ankle sprains:
About 10,000 ankle sprains happen in the US every day and are often under treated by primary care docs and other health care providers.
Simple treatments such as rest, elevation, ice and compression are good in the first 12-24 hours, but a few more modalities are needed after this.
Keep in mind a sprain of any joint in the human body by definition is an injury to the stabilizing ligaments of that joint. They are either stretched (Grade 1), partial torn (Grade 2) or completely torn or ruptured (Grade 3). Thus, depending on the severity an ankle sprain can sometimes indeed be as bad as a bone fracture.
With bad sprains (severe swelling, bruising, pain, limp while walking or inability to walk) an orthopedic walking boot (easily purchased online) is recommended for the first 10-14 days. This provides rigid immobilization and support to the ankle, facilitating decreased swelling and pain, and allowing the patient to walk. If the sprain is not as bad, or after the boot, a medical grade brace that can be worn with a shoe is recommended, such as an ASO brace (again available online). This provides support and compression but is less cumbersome than the boot. This is typically worn for about 6-8 weeks.
In addition, during the first 2-3 weeks of a sprain the body is generating an inflammatory reaction around the ankle joint in response to the injury. To address this one should consider the use of an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, motrin or aleve. Take an appropriate dose 2-3 times per day. Obviously consult with your primary care doc if there are any concerns about taking this if you have other medical conditions.
Lastly, the #1 reason to have long lasting issues after an ankle sprain is the lack of appropriate rehabilitation. Meaning, physical therapy is important. So, at a minimum one should work with a physical therapist for at least 2-3 visits to be taught an extensive home exercise program and be educated on the equipment needed to do this (theraband & BAPS board, both available online).
If after 10-12 weeks significant pain or instability (ankle rolling frequently even with brace) persist then seek evaluation with a foot and ankle trained orthopedic surgeon.
Orthopaedic surgeon
Orthopedist.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
An Orthopaedic Surgeon
