Ankle Sprain Doctor Lakeway, TX

When To Reach Out To Our Lakeway, TX Ankle Sprain Doctor

Sprained ankles are among the most common types of injuries in our clinic. In fact, ankle sprains account for about one-fourth of sports injuries. Our clinic has foot and ankle experts on staff, including board-certified sports medicine doctors, nurses, and physical therapists. We will diagnose the extent of your sprain in our state-of-the-art clinic and create a personalized care plan to address the injury and prevent re-injury. If you rolled your ankle, landed funny, or simply tripped and fell while out and about, our Lakeway, TX ankle sprain doctor can properly diagnose your injury and develop the right plan for getting you back up and walking again.

Your feet are in good hands with Austin Physical Therapy! Call us today for a personalized appointment to treat your injury.

Ankle Sprains: What You Need To Know

Ankle sprains can happen when someone twists, turns, or rolls their ankle awkwardly or unnaturally. The twisting and pressure cause the ligaments that hold your ankle bones together to over-stretch or completely tear.

If you are suffering one or more of the following signs and symptoms, then you likely have a sprained ankle and should come see our medical team right away:

• A noticeable pop or snap at the moment of injury
• Increasing pain, especially when bearing weight on the ankle
• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the affected area
• Reduced ability to move the ankle freely
• A feeling of instability or weakness in the joint

Most people usually notice immediately when they sprain their ankle, but it takes the specialist insight of an experienced foot and ankle doctor to determine the extent of the sprain and develop the right treatment plan to avoid aggravating the injury and worsening your condition. We combine manual palpitation with diagnostic imaging, like an MRI or X-ray, to view the extent of the damage.

There are several types of ankle sprains; our podiatric physicians determine whether you have an:

• Inversion sprain: This happens when the foot twists upward, causing the ankle to roll inward and strain the surrounding ligaments.
• Eversion sprain: This occurs when the ankle rolls outward, leading to a tear in the deltoid ligaments.
• High ankle sprain: This results from stretching or tearing of the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula.

Once we determine which type of ankle sprain you have, we can develop a treatment plan to address all the damage.

Treating Your Sprained Ankle

Depending on the degree of the sprain, your ankle may take a few weeks to a few months to heal. While rare, some injured individuals may require surgery. Our clinic provides direct medical treatment and rehabilitative therapy, combining the two for the most effective cure. Contact Austin Physical Therapy today for an appointment with our Lakeway ankle sprain doctor.

Recovering From an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain can limit mobility, cause discomfort, and make daily activities difficult. Whether the injury happens during physical activity or a simple misstep, proper recovery is key to restoring strength and preventing further damage. Taking the right steps during rehabilitation helps ensure a full return to normal movement. A Lakeway ankle sprain doctor from our clinic can assist you.

Early Stages of Recovery

After an ankle sprain, controlling swelling and reducing pain should be the first priority. Resting the injured ankle, applying ice, and elevating the foot help manage initial symptoms. Depending on the severity of the sprain, limiting weight-bearing activity may be necessary in the first few days. Supporting the ankle with a brace or wrap can provide stability while allowing healing to begin.

As swelling decreases, gentle movement helps maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Small range-of-motion exercises, such as ankle circles and light stretching, can assist in keeping the joint mobile without putting too much strain on the healing tissues. It is important to progress gradually and avoid movements that cause pain or discomfort.

Regaining Strength and Stability

Once initial pain and swelling improve, strengthening exercises help restore function and reduce the risk of reinjury. The muscles surrounding the ankle need to be retrained to provide proper support and balance. Simple exercises like toe raises, resistance band movements, and controlled weight shifts help rebuild strength.

Balance exercises also play an important role in rehabilitation. Standing on one foot, using a balance board, or practicing controlled movements on uneven surfaces can help improve ankle stability. Since a sprained ankle often affects coordination, working on balance helps prevent future injuries and restores confidence in movement.

Restoring Full Mobility and Function

Returning to normal activity should be a gradual process. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to setbacks or further injury. Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness without placing too much strain on the healing ankle. As strength improves, controlled walking and eventually jogging can be introduced.

For individuals who engage in sports or high-impact activities, sport-specific exercises and agility drills help prepare the ankle for dynamic movements. These exercises should be done under proper guidance from a Lakeway ankle sprain doctor to avoid excessive stress on the recovering ligaments.

Preventing Future Injuries

Once the ankle has healed, taking steps to prevent another sprain is important. Wearing supportive footwear, warming up properly before activity, and maintaining strong ankle muscles all contribute to long-term stability. Ongoing balance and strength exercises can help keep the joint strong and reduce the chances of reinjury.

At Austin Physical Therapy, we help individuals recover from injuries and regain full movement with targeted rehabilitation programs. If you need a Lakeway ankle sprain doctor to guide your recovery, contact us today. Our team is here to help you restore strength, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries.