Ankle Sprain
Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida
Lateral ankle sprains are a source of acute or chronic pain as a result of repetitive stress or chronic injuries, especially in athletic sports. There are two types of lateral ankle sprains, depending on which way (inward or outward) the foot and ankle are forced, causing the sprain.
When the ankle is inverted or drawn inward under stress, the ligaments that attach the fibula to the talus and calcaneus or heel bone can be partially torn or completely torn depending upon the severity. There are three ligaments, the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament. It may be one or all that are partially involved in the sprain, depending on the severity of the injury.
When the ankle is outwardly stressed, the tibiotalar and tibiocalcaneal spring ligament and talonavicular ligament can be partially or completely torn. These ligaments all help to provide stability of the medial collateral ligaments.
Ankle Sprain Symptoms
The presentation is generally pain, limited range of motion and swelling.
Treatment for Ankle Sprain
Conservative measures include:
- Compression (ace wrap it)
- Ice
- Elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
In chronic conditions, when the ankle is not able to heal due to repetitively re-injuring it, the area may be stabilized and regenerated with platelet-rich plasma or stem cell therapy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy may be effective in helping to regenerate multiple sites.
With platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, the healing or growth factors in a person’s own blood are captured and injected into the knee. This may help to heal and regenerate the damaged ligament.
Additionally, stem cell therapy may help regenerate the injured tissue. Stem cells can be processed from either a person’s own fat or bone marrow. Once processed, the stem cells are directed into the injured area using a variety of techniques.
Platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy are innovative and cutting-edge treatment techniques that may help repair chronic or acutely damaged ankle problems.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy have been useful for many types of musculoskeletal injuries that have resisted other traditional treatment modalities.
If you continue to suffer with a chronic ankle sprain and your current treatment plan leaves you feeling hopeless, perhaps a fresh set of experienced eyes can change your outlook. Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine, cutting-edge regenerative medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients increase their quality of life. Contact us for an appointment at 727-462-5582.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, and the Florida Spine Center serve patients within the greater Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa and St. Petersburg, as well as all of Florida and the US.
All statements, information or opinions provided by this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.