Don't Let An Ankle Injury Slow You Down

Find out when it’s best to turn to a podiatrist for ankle injuries. 

You’ve injured your ankle. Now what? Can you simply treat the ankle injury on your own, or is this a job only our Elko, NV, podiatrist Dr. John Patton can address? It’s essential to recognize the warning signs that an ankle injury is severe enough to warrant immediate medical attention. Here’s what you should know about ankle injuries,

What Are Some Common Ankle Injuries?

First, we have to perform imaging tests to determine which areas of the ankle are damaged (e.g., tendon; ligament. From there, we can determine the type of ankle injury you’re dealing with. Here are some of the most common ankle injuries our Elko, NV, podiatrist Dr. Patton and his team diagnose and treat,

  • Ankle sprains
  • Fractures
  • Tendinitis
  • Tendon tears

What Are the Signs of an Ankle Injury?

While ankle injuries often occur after a sports accident, car accident, or traumatic impact to the ankle, sometimes injuries can happen over time. Signs of an ankle injury include,

  • Sudden and often severe pain
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty putting weight on the ankle
  • Stiffness
  • Bruising

How Can I Treat an Ankle Injury Myself?

If your ankle injury is mild, you may be able to manage your symptoms on your own with rest, icing, elevation and over-the-counter pain relievers; however, if your pain and discomfort occurred immediately after an injury, it should be evaluated by a medical professional. If mild symptoms don’t improve or worsen over the next 48-72 hours, you’ll want to give us a call.

How Long Will It Take To Heal?

Our Elko, NV, podiatrist can better answer this question for you. After all, this will depend on the severity of your injury. Minor strains and sprains will often improve within a few days with ample rest and home care; however, more aggressive injuries such as an ankle fracture can take several weeks or even months to heal.

When Should I Turn to a Podiatrist for an Ankle Injury?

If you are dealing with sudden pain, swelling, or bruising, or you hear a popping sound at the moment of injury, you need to turn to our team as soon as possible for treatment. A popping or snapping sound is often the sign of a fractured ankle. If in doubt, give us a call and discuss your symptoms over the phone; we can give you a better idea of whether you need to come into our office for treatment.

Don’t ignore an ankle injury. Instead, turn to our Elko, NV, podiatrist Dr. Patton and his team for care. Call (775) 753-4044. We provide urgent treatment to those who require same-day or next-day care.

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