Medical professionals who specialize in Orthopaedics in Montrose can help people deal with injuries that affect tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints. These are the professionals that are usually tasked with helping injured athletes. Sprained ankles are rather common injuries that are treated by these types of specialists. There are certain things that a person should do if an ankle is sprained. Resting is the first thing that needs to be done. The ankle shouldn’t be used to support any weight. If a person has access to crutches, the crutches should be used to get around. Without x-rays, it’s impossible to know whether or not the ankle is broken. It’s best to err on the side of caution.
The next step that medical professionals who specialize in Orthopaedics in Montrose advise is using ice on the injured area. Ice is useful because it can keep down swelling. Ice can be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. The ice should be wrapped in something so that the ice doesn’t come in direct contact with a person’s skin. Direct contact with the skin can actually lead to frostbite. Another thing that can be used to control swelling is compression. Wrapping the area in a bandage can help until a medical professional can be seen. Elevating the injured area above the heart is also recommended. People who suffer ankle injuries should Contact Dr. Chamberland or another specialist as soon as possible.
Some people are more susceptible to ankles sprains than others. For example, people who play basketball suffer a higher rate of ankle injuries compared to people who play baseball. The right kind of footwear can help prevent ankle injuries. Shoes that come up higher on the ankle give more support to the ankle. This can help prevent a person from rolling the ankle while playing sports. Making sure high-top shoes are laced all the way to the top and tightly secured can also help prevent ankle injuries. People can also wear ankle braces along with their shoes. Braces are also useful for people who have suffered ankle injuries in the past. Braces can be used as part of the rehabilitation process.