Services | Orthopedics and Pain Medicine Physician located in Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, Jersey City and West Orange, NJ | Garden State Pain & Orthopedics

What is an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is twisted, rolled, or moved in an incorrect way. The awkward action may tear or stretch the ligaments of the ankle causing pain and swelling. Most sprained ankles can be treated with rest, ice, elevation, and relaxation. 

If the pain does not get better with selfcare, you should see a doctor for treatment. 

What is the difference between a broken ankle and a sprained ankle?

Ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle, while having a broken ankle is an injury to a bone within the ankle. If you experience immediate throbbing pain, swelling, bruising or tenderness, you may have a broken ankle. A tiny crack in the bone, or a clean break can occur from a simple fall, a awkward twist when playing a sport, or a major event like a car crash. 

An X-ray, MRI, CT Scan, or ultrasound will be used to diagnose an ankle fracture. A doctor may reccomend one of these tests if you experience a sprained ankle. 

Ankle Sprain Treatments

Rest, ice, elevation, and relaxation are the best initial treatment for ankle sprains. Over the counter pain medication can also be used to treat pain experienced from ankle sprains.

The team at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics create a personalized treatment plan individuals with ankle injuries. The treatment plan may consist of:

• Crutches
• Ankle braces
• Elastic bandages
• Sports tape
• Casts or a walking boot. 

In severe cases, minimally invasive surgery may need to be performed to repair damaged ligaments in the ankle. The team at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific injury and activity level. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment for an ankle injury may include:  

• Rest and activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy

What is the internal brace procedure?

The Internal Brace procedure is a relatively new surgical technique offered by Garden State Pain and Orthopedics that aims to enhance the stability and promote faster healing of ligament injuries, including sprained ankles. It was developed as an alternative to traditional methods of treating ankle sprains, such as non-surgical approaches or more invasive procedures like ligament reconstructions. 

The Concept of the Internal Brace

The Internal Brace procedure involves the use of a strong, synthetic tape-like material, often made of a material called high-strength suture tape, which is surgically implanted within or alongside the injured ligament. This tape acts as a supportive "brace" to reinforce the damaged ligament and provide stability to the joint during the healing process.

Recovery

Recovery and rehabilitation after the Internal Brace procedure follow a structured protocol, which may involve wearing a protective boot or brace, gradually increasing weight-bearing, and participating in physical therapy. The goal is to facilitate the healing process while gradually restoring strength, range of motion, and stability to the ankle.

What are the advantages of the internal brace procedure? 

• Minimized Tissue Disruption: The procedure is minimally invasive compared to traditional ligament reconstruction surgeries.
• Enhanced Healing: The Internal Brace provides additional support to the injured ligament, potentially promoting faster and more reliable healing.
• Preserved Anatomy: Unlike some other procedures, the Internal Brace aims to preserve the patient's natural anatomy while reinforcing the injured ligament.

Sprained ankles are quite common especially amoung young individuals partificpating in competitive sports. If you twist your ankle, and the pain and symptoms persist despite treatment, you may need surgery to repair the damaged ligament. Our expert Foot and Ankle Specialist, Dr. Scott Hanauer can assess and provide a personalized treatment plant that best fits your needs and goals. Dr. Hanauer takes a conservative apporach to treatment, and when surgery is needed he performs minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery whenever possible. If you would like to schedule a consulation with Dr. Hanauer select "Book Now". Dr. Hanauer is available in Garden State Pain and Orthopedics' Cifton, West Orange, Jersey City, and Edison locations.