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Patient Newsletter
Issue 06 ยท Summer 2026

Ankle Sprains: More than a twist. The right treatment changes everything.
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries people brush off. Left untreated, they lead to chronic instability, repeated injuries, and long-term pain.

ยง The toolkit

Sprain care that goes beyond rest and ice.

Treatment is matched to the severity of your injury. Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala assess the ligaments, then build a plan around your specific injury.

Bracing & Splinting

Supports ligament healing at the correct angle without causing stiffness.

Regenerative & Injection Therapies

Corticosteroid injections, Class IV laser, and shockwave therapy reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.

Physical Therapy

Referrals for progressive strengthening and balance training to restore function and reduce re-injury risk.

Surgical Ligament Repair

For complete tears that don't respond to conservative care, surgical reconstruction restores full stability.

ยง How it works

Four tendons. Four different presentations. One practice.

A sprain is a stretch or tear of the ligaments that hold the ankle joint in place. A mild sprain and a complete tear are very different injuries that require very different care.

01 Grade I โ€” Mild

Ligament is stretched but intact. Rest, compression, and light rehab typically restore full function within one to two weeks.

02  Grade II โ€” Moderate

Ligament is partially torn, causing swelling, bruising, and reduced stability. Bracing and physical therapy are recommended.

03  Grade III โ€” Severe

Ligament is completely torn. Recovery involves immobilization, extended rehab, and sometimes surgery.

04 Chronic Instability

Repeated or improperly treated sprains cause lasting joint looseness. Correctable with targeted strengthening or surgical repair.
A sprain that doesn't heal correctly is the most common cause of recurring ankle injuries. Early evaluation protects your long-term function. Same-day appointments are available.
ยง The condition

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting the ankle bones are stretched or torn, most often from rolling the foot inward. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Because a severe sprain can look like a fracture, imaging is often needed to confirm what's injured. Missed ligament damage leads to instability that worsens over time.

ยง Finding the source

How we evaluate your sprain

Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala use clinical testing and imaging to rule out fractures, assess the ligaments, and determine sprain severity before starting treatment.

01 Digital X-rays
Rule out fractures of the ankle and foot bones, which can occur alongside or mimic sprain symptoms.

02 MRI
Shows detailed images of ligament and tendon damage for moderate to severe sprains where surgery may be considered.
03 Ultrasound Imaging Real-time imaging of ligaments and soft tissue to assess damage and guide treatment

ยง Your care team

Meet your Podiatrists

Gireesh

Dr. Gireesh Reddy, DPM

Podiatrist ยท Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Sirisha

Dr. Sirisha Pokala, DPM

Podiatrist ยท Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

ยง Beyond tendon care

Everything else we do for feet.

Conservative therapies first, advanced technology second. A full range of podiatric care for adults and children.
General Podiatry
Custom Orthotics
Pediatric Foot Disorders
Wart Treatment
Diabetic Foot Care
Class IV Laser Therapy
Deformity Correction
Neuroma Care
Ankle & Foot Trauma
Wound Care
Sports Medicine
Neuropathy
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Ankle Arthroscopy
Corns & Callus Care
Skin Conditions
Book your visit

Stop managing tendon pain and start resolving it.

Tendonitis is very treatable with the right diagnosis and care plan. Call our Plano office or book online. Same-day appointments available.