Does My Sprained Ankle Need a Splint?

You’re walking along when a snapping sound and twist of your ankle is followed by intense discomfort. If this sounds familiar, you’ve likely experienced a sprained ankle.

A sprain happens when you tear the fibers of a ligament in a joint. And while they can impact a range of ligaments in your body, ankle sprains are the most common. 

Thankfully, numerous treatments can help your injury heal, and ankle splints are among the most helpful. 

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno create customized ankle sprain treatment plans to minimize your symptoms quickly. 

Read on to learn more about ankle sprains, including why you might need to use a splint.

Causes behind sprained ankles

Anything that forces your ankle into an unusual position, over stretching the ligaments within, can cause a sprain. A direct blow to your ankle from a kick or accident can also contribute.

Common activities behind an ankle sprain include:

• Walking or jogging on uneven ground 
• Playing particular sports, such as soccer, tennis, or volleyball
• Jogging or running without a proper warmup

You may have a heightened risk for a sprained ankle if you’ve experienced the injury before or wear poor-fitting or unsupportive shoes. 

Sprained ankle symptoms

Your ankle sprain can cause various bothersome issues, depending on factors like the severity of your injury. 

Common sprained ankle symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Reduced range of motion

You might hear a loud cracking or snapping when the injury happens. From there, bruising and swelling tend to happen quickly. In some cases, a sprained ankle makes it extremely difficult to walk.

When an ankle splint can help

In addition to other treatments, such as rest, ice therapy, elevating your ankle, and pain-relieving medication, we may recommend a splint to treat your ankle sprain. 

This device, worn around snugly your ankle, aids healing by keeping the affected joint in a normal position while preventing sudden movements and additional tearing. Ankle splints also protect your ankle and reduce pain as you recover. 

You may not need a splint if your sprain is minor and aren’t terribly active. However, splints are a top recommended treatment if your sprain is moderate to severe. 

What to expect from your ankle splint

Soft ankle splints are available, but semi-rigid splints tend to work best for ankle sprains. Our team can recommend your ideal option. 

Many people find these splints not only comfortable but relieving from a pain standpoint. If your splint causes any irritation or rubbing on your skin, adjusting the splint or wearing long, cushioned socks can help.

Depending on the intensity of your sprain and symptoms, we may recommend wearing your splint for 2-6 weeks, removing it only for bathing and possibly sleeping. 

Call Mayfair Foot Care or book an appointment through our website today to find out if your sprain would benefit from a splint or to get started with the ankle care you need.