Sprained Ankle Specialist
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Kirk Grogan, DPM
Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgery located in Pacific Heights & Duboce Triangle, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Kirk Grogan provides critical care for patients who have sprained ankles. These common injuries heal quickly with prompt and effective medical care from an experienced podiatrist. If you live in or around San Francisco and have sprained an ankle or sustained another ankle injury, call Dr. Grogan’s office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Sprained Ankle Q & A
What are ankle sprains?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle. Your ligaments are connective fibers that hold your bones in place. Ligaments are flexible to allow movement, but if you over-stretch or abruptly twist them, they can tear. The tears cause the ‘sprain’ and typically are categorized into three increasing grades of severity.
- Grade I sprains are ligaments which are overstretched, but not torn.
- Grade II sprains involve partial tears to the ligament.
- Grade III sprains are when a ligament is completely torn or detached.
Why should I see a podiatrist after I’ve sprained an ankle?
If you have a mild sprain, you may not even know the extent of your injury and try to walk through the pain. However, avoiding treatment can put you at risk, allowing the injury to worsen and need more invasive treatment in the future.
Dr. Grogan has spent his entire career treating foot and ankle injuries like sprains and provides treatments to help you heal quickly, avoiding complications. His comprehensive exams determine the extent of your injury and he offers expert care, customized to your needs.
How can I tell if my ankle is sprained?
Ankle sprains typically follow a recognizable fall or collision that puts too much pressure on your ankle. Dr. Grogan provides a thorough diagnosis including a physical exam and, in some cases, an MRI. Some common symptoms include:
- A popping noise
- Pain
- Bruising and swelling on your ankle
- Reduced range of motion
- Instability
How are ankle sprains treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your sprain. You may recover with the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method. Dr. Grogan offers air casts and compression bandages to stabilize and immobilize your ankle while the ligaments heal.
If your sprain is severe, surgery may be needed to re-attach or repair the damaged ligament. If surgery is necessary, Dr. Grogan prescribes medication to support your recovery as well as physical therapy to strengthen your ankle.
How soon after a sprain should I see a podiatrist?
You should make an appointment with Dr. Grogan as soon as possible after your injury. There’s no need for you to suffer and limp through the pain and reduced mobility. Not only does this increase your risk of making your injury worse, but it prolongs your discomfort.
You can call Dr. Grogan’s office or make an appointment online.
