Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with ankle sprains at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp. When you call, say when the ankle twisted and whether you can walk on it. If you have had an X-ray elsewhere, bring the images and the report.
What is ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain happens when the ankle twists and the ligaments that hold its bones together stretch too far or tear. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that keep the joint steady. Most sprains happen when the foot rolls inwards, which injures the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. A sprain can be mild, with a few fibres stretched, or severe, with a ligament torn right through. The ankle becomes painful, swollen and bruised, and it may be hard to walk. Most sprains heal well without an operation, but a sprain that is not rehabilitated properly can leave the ankle weak and likely to give way again.
Common signs
- Pain, swelling or bruising around the ankle after it twisted or rolled.
- A pop or tearing feeling at the moment of injury.
- Pain when you put weight on the foot.
- An ankle that feels loose or keeps giving way.
- A sprain that is still painful or swollen after a few weeks.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Dr. Subhash is a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, and ankle sprains are among the foot and ankle problems he treats. He first makes sure the bone is not broken, because a bad sprain and a fracture can look alike. He presses over each ligament, checks how stable the ankle is, and arranges an X-ray when needed. He then explains the grade of the sprain and plans protection, support and exercises to get you walking again.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks how the ankle twisted, whether you heard a pop, and whether it has been sprained before.
Examination
He compares both ankles, presses gently over the ligaments and bones, and checks how the joint moves and how stable it is.
Scans if needed
An X-ray checks for a broken bone. An MRI is only needed if other damage is suspected or the pain does not settle after six to eight weeks.
Protection and support
Ice, raising the foot and a bandage at first. A brace or walking boot supports a more serious sprain for a short time.
Exercises
Movement, strength and balance exercises follow. A physiotherapist can guide them, and balance work lowers the chance of another sprain.
Review
He checks your progress and looks again if the ankle still gives way or the pain is not settling.
Getting better
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- Many mild sprains feel better within about two weeks.
- Avoid running and hard exercise for up to eight weeks, as the ligaments are still healing.
- A severe sprain can take a few months to feel normal.
- Stopping the exercises too early is the most common reason an ankle stays weak and keeps giving way.
Risks to know about
- Going back to sport too soon makes another sprain more likely.
- Repeated sprains can lead to long-term pain, a loose ankle and, over time, arthritis.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if the ankle is still painful or swollen after a few weeks, or keeps giving way. Book sooner if the pain or swelling is getting worse, you cannot walk more than a few steps, or the ankle is very stiff. Go to emergency care straight away if you heard a crack at the time of injury, the ankle is out of shape or at an odd angle, the foot is numb or tingling, or the skin looks blue or grey or feels cold.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DirectionsCall +971 58 599 7460WhatsApp
Questions patients ask
I twisted my ankle playing football in Dubai. Can I keep playing?
Stop playing and rest it. Use ice and raise the foot for the first two to three days. If you cannot walk on it, or it is not clearly better in a few days, have it checked.
Is my ankle sprained or broken?
A bad sprain can look and feel like a fracture. If you cannot put weight on the foot, or the bone itself is very tender when pressed, an X-ray is needed to check.
Should I use heat or ice?
Use ice wrapped in a towel for the first two to three days. Avoid heat, hot baths and massage in that time, because they can increase the swelling.
Do torn ankle ligaments need an operation?
Rarely. Even a ligament torn right through usually heals with support and exercises. An operation is only considered when the ankle stays loose and painful after months of proper rehabilitation.
Book an appointment
His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp.