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Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Foot & Ankle Dislocations and Sprains

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for foot and ankle sprains and dislocations, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Understanding foot and ankle sprains and dislocations and your options.

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, the tough band that connects bone to bone. A dislocation happens when a joint slips out of its normal place. Both can happen in the ankle, the midfoot, or the toes.

Ankle sprains are very common, especially in athletes and on uneven ground. Swelling and pain show up fast. Proper care helps prevent the ankle from staying weak and rolling again.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Foot & Ankle Dislocations and Sprains care

Symptoms

Signs of foot and ankle sprains and dislocations.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Pain and swelling around the ankle or joint

  • 02

    Bruising that spreads across the foot

  • 03

    A joint that looks out of place or feels loose

  • 04

    Trouble putting weight on the foot

Why it happens

What can cause foot and ankle sprains and dislocations.

  • 01

    Rolling the ankle on uneven ground or a curb

  • 02

    Landing awkwardly after a jump

  • 03

    Sports contact and sudden changes in direction

  • 04

    Falls, stairs, and high-impact accidents

Care groupFractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Diagnosis and care

How we treat foot and ankle sprains and dislocations.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We check swelling, tender spots, and how stable the joint feels when we move it gently. X-rays help rule out a break or show a joint that is out of place. Ultrasound or MRI can show the ligaments if we need to see how badly they are torn.

Step 2 · Treatment

For sprains, we often use rest, ice, compression, and lifting the foot in the first days. A brace, boot, or tape keeps the joint steady while it heals. Physical therapy works on motion, strength, and balance, which helps prevent repeat sprains. A dislocated joint needs to be put back in place by a clinician before other care begins.

Surgery may be considered when a joint keeps giving way, a ligament is fully torn, or a dislocation cannot be held in place. The surgeon repairs or rebuilds the ligaments to make the joint stable.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Mild sprains often improve in 2 to 6 weeks. Severe sprains and dislocations can take 3 months or longer to feel fully solid.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if swelling and pain do not ease in a few days, or if you cannot walk on the foot. Go to an emergency room right away if the joint looks out of place.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Why does my ankle keep rolling?

Ligaments that healed loose or muscles that lost strength can make the ankle unstable. A brace and therapy often help.

Should I wrap it or use a brace?

Compression can ease swelling early on. A brace gives better support while you walk, and we can pick one that fits your injury.

Get help with foot and ankle sprains and dislocations.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Foot & Ankle Dislocations and Sprains care at 15 clinics.

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