Carriero Foot & Ankle · Encinitas, CA
Ankle sprains.
A clear diagnosis.
A steadier recovery.
A rolled ankle can interrupt an ordinary day. Get help understanding the injury and a practical plan for walking, work, or sport.
Understanding the injury
More than
a rolled ankle.
A sprained ankle is an injury to the ligaments—the strong bands that connect bones and help steady the joint. A twist or awkward landing can stretch or tear them.
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling
- Bruising and stiffness
- Trouble walking normally
- A feeling that the ankle may give way
Your visit
Understand what
needs protection.
We review how the injury happened, examine the ankle and foot, and check movement and stability. Imaging may be recommended based on the examination.
Bring any previous imaging and tell us about earlier sprains, ongoing pain, and the activities you want to return to.
What do sprain grades mean?
Grade 1 involves stretching and small ligament-fiber tears. Grade 2 is a partial tear. Grade 3 is a complete tear. Pain and swelling alone cannot reliably establish the grade or rule out a fracture.
Treatment that fits the injury
Protect it.
Build it back.
Most ankle sprains are treated without surgery. Support and rehabilitation work together, with a plan based on the injury and your daily needs.
Recovery & common questions
Back to walking.
Then back to you.
Comfortable walking is one milestone. Recovery also means having the movement, strength, and balance your usual activities need.
Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
That depends on the injury. Protected walking may be appropriate, while other injuries need more support or limited weightbearing. If you cannot bear weight, get prompt medical care rather than trying to walk it off.
Will I need an X-ray or MRI?
X-rays may be needed to check for a fracture, depending on the examination. An MRI is not usually the first test. It may help when symptoms persist or a more complex injury is suspected.
How long does recovery take?
Mild sprains may improve over a few weeks. More severe injuries can take several months. The ligament injury, other damage, and your activity goals all matter. Persistent pain or swelling should be reassessed.
When can I return to exercise or sports?
Return gradually when pain, motion, strength, and balance allow the activities you need. Running, jumping, and changing direction place different demands on the ankle. Your clinician or physical therapist can guide progression and any bracing.
What is a high ankle sprain?
It affects the ligaments between the two lower-leg bones, above the ankle joint. Recovery may take longer than with a typical outer-ankle sprain. Testing helps determine whether the joint is stable and what treatment is needed.
Your next step
Let’s find your
next steady step.
New injury or an ankle that keeps rolling? Start with an evaluation and a plan for what comes next.
