Lateral Ankle Pain Treatment in Millsboro & Seaford, DE
Ankle sprains happen fast—a twist on uneven ground, a misstep off a curb, a fall during a workout. In that moment, pain sets in, and your plans come to a screeching halt. At Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle, we treat sprained ankles daily, from mild injuries to complex ligament damage. If you’re dealing with lateral ankle pain, swelling, or instability, our foot and ankle specialists in Millsboro and Seaford, DE, are here to help you heal with confidence.
Sprained Ankle vs Broken Ankle
You might be wondering what kind of injury you’re dealing with. The truth is, sprained ankles and broken ankles can look a lot alike: swelling, bruising, pain with movement, and difficulty walking. Here’s the key difference:
- A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support your ankle are stretched or torn.
- A broken ankle means a bone has fractured.
If you hear a pop, can’t bear any weight, or the pain feels sharp and deep, it’s time to get checked. Our office has on-site imaging, so we can tell you exactly what’s going on.
Lateral Ankle Pain & Chronic Instability
Most sprains happen on the outside of the ankle—that’s what causes lateral ankle pain. But if you’ve sprained your ankle before, or if this one feels especially wobbly, you may have developed chronic ankle instability.
That “rolling” feeling you get, the swelling that lingers, the weakness with every step—those are signs your ankle needs more than just rest. You don’t want this to turn into a lifelong issue. We’ll help you strengthen your ankle, rebuild stability, and prevent future sprains so you can move confidently again.
To learn more about foot and ankle conditions, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ patient education website, FootHealthFacts.org
High Ankle Sprain: A Tougher Kind of Injury
A high ankle sprain is different—and more complex—than a standard sprain. This injury affects the ligaments that hold your lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) together just above the ankle. It’s common in athletes and can take longer to heal. Symptoms may include:
- Pain above the ankle joint
- Difficulty pivoting or turning
- Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities
If your pain is higher than expected or not improving, let’s take a closer look. High ankle sprains often need more involved care to fully recover.
Talar Dome Lesion: When the Pain Doesn’t Go Away
Still hurting weeks after a sprain? You could have a talar dome lesion—a hidden injury inside the ankle joint that affects the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus.
This type of injury isn’t always visible right away, but it can cause deep aching, swelling, and stiffness that lingers. If your ankle still isn’t right after rest, ice, and time, it’s not in your head—and it’s not something to ignore. We’ll get the imaging and answers you need.
How to Treat a Sprained Ankle
When it first happens, RICE is the go-to:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
But depending on the type and severity of the sprain, you may need more than at-home care.
How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal?
Sprained ankle recovery time depends on how severe the injury is:
- Mild Sprains – 1–2 weeks
- Moderate Sprains – 3–6 weeks
- Severe Sprains and High Ankle Sprains – 6–12+ weeks
When to Worry About a Sprained Ankle
You know your body. If your ankle just doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. You should be concerned about a sprained ankle if:
- You can’t put weight on it without sharp pain
- Swelling hasn’t improved after a few days
- Your ankle feels unstable or “loose”
- Pain keeps coming back weeks after the injury
- You notice deep joint pain, stiffness, or locking
Why Choose Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle?
When your ankle hurts, you want answers from people who truly know ankles. At Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle, you’re not just getting treatment. You’re getting care from a trusted team with deep experience and a track record of helping people heal and stay active. Here’s what makes us different:
- Expert, Board-Certified Podiatrists – Dr. Jason Leonard, Dr. Tiffany Teel, and Dr. Marissa Matrangola bring decades of combined experience in diagnosing and treating complex foot and ankle conditions. From sprains to fractures to instability, you're in capable hands.
- Surgical Precision When You Need It – We perform all foot and ankle surgeries in-house, including fracture repair, ligament reconstruction, and sports injury care, so you don’t have to be referred out or wait to get the care you need.
- Patient Education Comes First – We believe you heal best when you understand what’s going on. Our team takes the time to answer your questions, explain your injury, your treatment plan, and how to prevent it from happening again.
- Full-Service Care for Every Step – From initial injury to recovery, we support you with on-site imaging, advanced diagnostics, conservative care, surgical options, and long-term management.
- Innovators in Foot & Ankle Medicine – We were the first practice in Delaware to offer minimally invasive bunion surgery—proof of our ongoing commitment to cutting-edge care and better outcomes.
Don’t Let a Sprain Keep You Off Your Feet
You don’t have to wonder if it’s just a sprain or something more. Let our team take a close look, give you real answers, and start you on the right treatment plan. If you’re struggling with lateral ankle pain, a high ankle sprain, or just want to know how long a sprained ankle takes to heal, we’re ready to help.
Call us today at Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle in Millsboro or Seaford, DE.