Common Causes of Ankle Sprains

At Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Brian Gale helps patients manage a wide range of foot and ankle conditions in North Dakota. If you’ve recently experienced an ankle sprain in Bismarck, ND, our team is here to support your recovery with expert care and personalized treatment.

What Is a Sprain?

A sprain of the ankle occurs when the ligaments of the joint become overstretched or torn. This usually happens whenever the ankle twists in an abnormal movement, such as during a daily sport or activity. For example, a competitor might walk unevenly on certain ground, or somebody might trip over a curb, and, in either case, there is a twisted ankle.

Common Causes

While sports injuries are a typical cause of an ankle sprain, they can also occur due to normal daily activities. Walking on uneven terrain, wearing improper shoes, or planting your foot too heavily can cause a sprain. Even kids and adults can experience it.

Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the symptoms of a sprain will allow you to obtain treatment right away. You can feel pain, bruising, swelling, redness, heat, or instability in the joint. Should walking be painful or difficult, it is time to see a podiatrist.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

When you visit Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Gale will carefully evaluate your injury and may use imaging tools like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to assess the extent of the sprain and rule out any fractures. Ankle sprains are usually classified into grades: grade I for mild stretching, grade II for partial tearing, and grade III for a complete ligament tear.

Treatment Options

Initial treatment usually involves RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—to reduce swelling and discomfort. We may also recommend pain relief medication and ankle bracing or wrapping to stabilize the joint. For more serious sprains, physical therapy can help restore strength and flexibility. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be needed if the ligament damage is severe.

Get Back on Your Feet

If you’ve sprained your ankle and need expert care, don’t wait to get help. At Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Brian Gale offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for ankle sprains in Bismarck, ND. Call our office today at (701) 255-3338 to schedule your appointment and start your recovery.