During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness in your affected limb. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. X-rays can help rule out a fracture or other bone injury as the source of the problem.
Follow the instructions for R.I.C.E.Rest the injured limb. ... Ice the area. ... Compress the area with an elastic wrap or bandage. ... Elevate the injured limb above your heart whenever possible to help prevent or limit swelling.
Stress x-rays help to show whether the ankle is moving abnormally because of injured ligaments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Your doctor may order an MRI if he or she suspects a very severe injury to the ligaments, damage to the cartilage or bone of the joint surface, a small bone chip, or another problem.
Your foot doctor will diagnose your ankle sprain by doing a physical assessment and ordering a medical imaging exam. Your doctor will check for signs of swelling and bruising and palpate the area. They will then move your foot to check its range of motion and which specific positions can cause pain.
The main treatment (first aid) for all sprains and strains is RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury. Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
1:042:26The Talar Tilt Test | Lateral Ankle Sprain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBring your patient's foot into the anatomical. Position. So that the ligament is perpendicular toMoreBring your patient's foot into the anatomical. Position. So that the ligament is perpendicular to the long axis of the tailless. Then bring the foot into inversion.
Do I Need to Get an MRI for a Possible Tear? Your physician may be able to diagnose a sprain based on a history and physical exam. An X-ray may be necessary to be sure you don't have a broken bone, but it won't show a muscle injury. An MRI is the best type of imaging for looking at tissue.
An MRI scan is not required to diagnose ankle sprains.
MRI Ankle/Foot. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe as well as painless procedure. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body without the use of ionizing radiation.