Ankle Sprains

Ankle Sprains (Ligament Injury) – Understanding Ligament Damage and Recovery

Overview

Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent orthopedic injuries, affecting athletes, active adults, and individuals of all ages in Pearland, Houston, and Southeast Texas. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint stretch or tear, typically from twisting, rolling, or landing awkwardly on the foot.

While many people consider ankle sprains minor, untreated or improperly healed sprains can lead to chronic instability, recurring pain, and long-term joint damage. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we focus on accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment that restores full strength and mobility — helping patients return to activity safely and confidently.

Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, provides evidence-based care for both mild and severe sprains, combining rehabilitation, advanced imaging, and, when necessary, reconstructive surgical techniques to ensure complete recovery.

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What Causes Ankle Sprains?

The ankle joint is supported by a network of ligaments — tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bone to bone and provide stability during movement. A sprain occurs when these ligaments are stretched beyond their limit or torn.

Common causes include:

Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or physical activity
Uneven surfaces that cause the foot to turn inward or outward unexpectedly
Improper footwear that fails to support the ankle
Previous ankle injuries that weakened ligament strength
Jumping, running, or landing incorrectly

Sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or physical activity
Uneven surfaces that cause the foot to turn inward or outward unexpectedly
Improper footwear that fails to support the ankle
Previous ankle injuries that weakened ligament strength
Jumping, running, or landing incorrectly

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The most commonly affected ligament in ankle sprains is the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), located on the outside of the ankle. Severe sprains may also involve the calcaneofibular or deltoid ligaments, which stabilize the inner and outer portions of the joint.

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Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

Symptoms vary depending on severity but typically include:

Sharp pain or tenderness around the ankle joint
Swelling and bruising within hours of injury
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Stiffness or restricted range of motion
Weakness or instability in the ankle after activity

Sharp pain or tenderness around the ankle joint
Swelling and bruising within hours of injury
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Stiffness or restricted range of motion
A popping or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
Weakness or instability in the ankle after activity

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Sprains are classified as:

Grade I (Mild): Slight stretching or micro-tears in ligament fibers
Grade II (Moderate): Partial ligament tear with more significant swelling and pain
Grade III (Severe): Complete ligament tear, causing instability and loss of support

Grade I (Mild): Slight stretching or micro-tears in ligament fibers
Grade II (Moderate): Partial ligament tear with more significant swelling and pain
Grade III (Severe): Complete ligament tear, causing instability and loss of support

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Diagnosis

Dr. Burke begins with a detailed physical examination, assessing range of motion, tenderness, and swelling. To ensure accurate diagnosis, he may recommend:

X-rays to rule out bone fractures
MRI scans to evaluate soft tissue and ligament damage
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X-rays to rule out bone fractures
MRI scans to evaluate soft tissue and ligament damage
Stress tests to assess joint stability
Ultrasound imaging for dynamic evaluation of ligament integrity

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Proper diagnosis prevents mismanagement and ensures the correct treatment plan — especially since severe sprains can sometimes mask a fracture.

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Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most ankle sprains heal with conservative care. Dr. Burke designs personalized rehabilitation plans based on the injury’s severity and the patient’s activity level.

Common non-surgical options include:

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R.I.C.E. Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce inflammation and pain
Functional bracing or taping to stabilize the ankle during recovery
Anti-inflammatory medication to manage pain and swelling

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PRP Therapy

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For regenerative healing in chronic or recurrent sprains

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Physical Therapy

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Focusing on balance, flexibility, and strengthening exercises to restore stability

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Surgical Treatments

For Grade III sprains or repeated injuries causing chronic instability, surgery may be necessary.
Procedures may include:

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Arthroscopic ligament repair to remove scar tissue and assess damage
Anatomic ligament reconstruction to restore joint stability using minimally invasive techniques

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Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on injury severity and patient adherence to therapy:

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Mild sprains: 2–4 weeks with proper rest and guided exercises
Moderate sprains: 4–6 weeks with physical therapy
Severe sprains or surgery: 3–6 months with structured rehabilitation

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Dr. Burke’s team provides continuous follow-up, ensuring strength, flexibility, and balance are restored before returning to full activity.

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Prevention Tips:

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Warm up and stretch before exercise
Wear supportive footwear for your activity type
Strengthen calf and ankle muscles regularly
Avoid uneven terrain when fatigued

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When to Seek Medical Care

You should see an orthopedic specialist if you experience:

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Severe pain or inability to bear weight
Rapid swelling or bruising
Persistent weakness or instability
Recurrent ankle sprains despite rest

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Prompt orthopedic evaluation prevents complications such as chronic instability, tendon damage, or early arthritis.

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Serving Our Community

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our goal is to provide comprehensive orthopedic care that helps patients reclaim comfort and function. From advanced diagnostics to rehabilitation, every step of care is handled with precision and compassion.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping individuals return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

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Get Back to Moving with Confidence

Don’t let a ligament injury or sprain keep you from your active lifestyle. Early orthopedic evaluation ensures proper healing and prevents chronic ankle instability.

Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint and ligament reconstruction.

Serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, Dr. Burke Orthopedics helps patients restore strength, stability, and confidence after ankle injury.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or loss of movement, please contact a healthcare provider immediately or visit your nearest emergency center.