Effective Ankle Sprain Nerve Injury Treatments in Seattle, WA

by Dr. Hoy

nerve anatomy Up to 85 percent of ankle sprains are caused by the foot turning inward.  More than just the ligaments are harmed in an ankle sprain.  Bones, joints and their capsules, muscles and tendons, and nerves can be injured.  The latter can result in numbness, tingling, burning, radiating/shooting pain, cramping, weakness or motor function deficits.  Fifteen percent of all grade 2 and 3 ankle sprains have some level of peroneal nerve damage, resulting in tingling/burning along the nerve’s course or decreased pedal sensation in the nerve’s area of distribution.  Grade II ankle sprains resulted in peroneal and tibial nerve injury in 17 and 10 percent of patients studied respectively.  These injury rates increased to 86 percent for the peroneal nerve and 83 percent for the tibial nerve in grade III sprains.

Quick Answer

Ankle sprains frequently involve nerve damage beyond ligament injuries, with Grade II sprains showing peroneal and tibial nerve damage in 17% and 10% of patients, respectively, and Grade III sprains seeing these rates increase to 86% and 83%. These nerve injuries can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, or radiating pain, and if left untreated, they risk leading to severe complications such as drop foot or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, as offered by specialists like Dr. John Hoy at Seattle Foot and Ankle Center, are essential for managing these nerve injuries and promoting faster recovery.

It is important to see Dr. John Hoy at the Seattle Foot and Ankle Center in Seattle, Washington when an ankle sprain happens to treat any nerve injuries.  Nerve injuries untreated can cause drop foot and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Treatments for ankle sprain nerve injuries include:

  1. Elevation and ice to decrease the localized swelling and external environmental pressure on the nerve.
  2. Immobilization, daily and nightly, allows removal of the aggravating motions.
  3. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical medications such as lidocaine, capsaicin, and topical diclofenac 1-2%
  4. Oral medications including gabapentin, pregabalin (Lyrica, Pfizer), amitriptyline and clonazepam (Klonopin, Genentech)
  5. Local corticosteroid injection at the point of entrapment
  6. Physical therapy and manual therapy
  7. Surgery.

In pain?  Don’t wait.  Early treatment leads to faster recovery.  Urgent appointments available.  Read about Conditions We Treat.  Request an Appointment online.  Call: 206-682-8741 or Contact Us.  If you like our content, please link it to your website and Collaborate With Us.  Thank you.

What other foot and ankle conditions and treatments can I learn about?

  1. Morton’s Neuroma Treatments in Seattle, WA
  2. Seattle Area Foot Arthritis Care
  3. Tribute to Dr. Charles W. Bradley
  4. Why Foot and Ankle Tendon Pain Deserves an Accurate Diagnosis

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How common are nerve injuries with ankle sprains, and what are the signs?

Nerve injuries are common with ankle sprains, affecting up to 85% of cases. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning, radiating pain, cramping, weakness, or motor function deficits. Specifically, grade II and III sprains show significant rates of peroneal and tibial nerve damage.

2 Why is it important to treat nerve injuries from an ankle sprain early?

Early treatment for nerve injuries from an ankle sprain is crucial because untreated injuries can lead to serious conditions like drop foot or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Seeking timely care can also contribute to a faster recovery.

3 What treatment options are available for ankle sprain nerve injuries?

Treatment options for ankle sprain nerve injuries range from conservative methods like elevation, ice, immobilization, and topical or oral medications, to physical and manual therapy. In some cases, a local corticosteroid injection or surgery may be considered.

4 Can nerve damage from an ankle sprain affect my ability to return to activities?

Yes, nerve damage from an ankle sprain can result in symptoms like weakness or motor function deficits, which can impact your ability to perform daily activities or return to sports. Untreated nerve injuries can also lead to more severe conditions such as drop foot, further affecting mobility.