Ankle Sprains
Treatment in Katy, TX
Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury — but “walking it off” is one of the worst things you can do. An untreated or undertreated ankle sprain leads to chronic instability, repeated sprains, and long-term joint damage. Advanced Ankle & Foot provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment to ensure your ankle heals completely and stays strong.
Why Patients Choose Us
25K+
Ankle sprains occur in the US every single day
28 Yrs
Dr. Burdge’s experience in podiatric care
500+
Full
Spectrum of care
21524 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77450
(281) 829-9315
Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm
5.0 Rating · 500+ Reviews
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn — most commonly when the foot rolls inward, forcing the outer ankle ligaments beyond their normal range of motion. It is the most frequently occurring musculoskeletal injury in both athletes and the general population.
Ankle sprains are graded by severity. A Grade 1 sprain involves mild stretching of the ligament with minor swelling and tenderness. A Grade 2 sprain involves a partial tear, with moderate swelling, bruising, and some instability. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament, producing severe swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and significant joint instability.
The most common mistake people make with ankle sprains is assuming that if they can walk, the injury is minor and does not need professional evaluation. In reality, a poorly healed sprain leads to chronically loose, unstable ligaments — making the ankle vulnerable to re-injury with even simple activities. Studies show that up to 40% of ankle sprain patients develop chronic ankle instability when the original injury is not properly treated.
Dr. Burdge evaluates every ankle sprain with X-rays to rule out fractures — which are frequently mistaken for sprains — and develops a structured rehabilitation plan to restore full strength, stability, and function to the joint.
Who Is at Risk?
Athletes & Active Individuals
Basketball, soccer, football, running, and trail sports involve rapid direction changes and uneven surfaces — making athletes among the most frequent ankle sprain patients.
Those Who Have Sprained Before
A previous ankle sprain is the single strongest predictor of a future sprain. Without proper rehabilitation, the ligaments remain loose and the ankle stays vulnerable.
People with High Arches or Flat Feet
Both extremes of foot arch shape alter how the ankle distributes force during movement — increasing the risk of rolling the ankle during activity or on uneven ground.
Older Adults
Reduced proprioception — the body’s sense of joint position — and muscle weakness that comes with age increase the risk of ankle rolling and slower recovery after sprains.
Fracture vs. Sprain — Get It Right
Fractures are commonly mistaken for sprains. Dr. Burdge takes X-rays at every ankle injury evaluation.
Sports Medicine Background
Dr. Burdge trained alongside physicians who treated professional athletes, including the podiatrist.
Prevents Chronic Instability
Up to 40% of sprains result in chronic instability when undertreated.
Full Spectrum — Acute to Surgical
From a first-time Grade 1 sprain to chronic instability requiring ligament reconstruction.
How Ankle Sprains Are Treated
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation including X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and grade the injury. For Grade 1 and Grade 2 sprains, treatment focuses on protecting the ligament during healing through RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), immobilization with a brace or walking boot, and a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and proprioception.
Grade 3 sprains — complete ligament ruptures — require a longer period of immobilization and a more intensive rehabilitation program. In cases where the ligament fails to heal adequately and chronic instability persists despite conservative care, surgical reconstruction of the ligament may be necessary to restore full joint stability.
For patients with chronic ankle instability from prior sprains, Dr. Burdge evaluates the degree of laxity and develops a targeted strengthening and stabilization plan — or discusses surgical options when the instability is severe enough to significantly impact daily life and activity.
Your Treatment Journey
From your first visit to getting back to full activity — here’s how we guide you through the process.
Evaluation & X-Rays
Dr. Burdge examines the ankle, grades the sprain, and takes X-rays to rule out fractures and confirm the extent of ligament damage.
Acute Care & Protection
Immediate treatment focuses on reducing swelling, protecting the ligament, and beginning the healing process with the right level of immobilization.
Rehabilitation
A structured rehab protocol restores ankle strength, range of motion, and proprioception — the critical factors that prevent re-injury and chronic instability.
Return to Activity
Dr. Burdge clears you for return to sport or full activity when the ankle demonstrates the strength and stability needed to perform safely without re-injury risk.
Personalized Treatment Plans for Every Patient
Dr. Burdge tailors every ankle sprain treatment plan based on the grade of injury, the patient’s activity level, prior sprain history, and goals for return to activity.
RICE Protocol & Acute Management
The foundation of immediate ankle sprain care — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — is combined with anti-inflammatory medication to control swelling and begin the healing process.
- Reduces swelling and pain rapidly
- Protects the ligament from further injury
- Appropriate for all sprain grades
Bracing & Immobilization
Depending on sprain grade, Dr. Burdge may prescribe an ankle brace, walking boot, or short-term cast to protect the healing ligament and allow safe weight-bearing.
- Protects ligament during healing
- Allows controlled weight-bearing
- Grade-appropriate immobilization level
- Transitioned out as healing progresses
Rehabilitation & Strengthening
A structured rehab program targeting ankle strength, balance, and proprioception is the most important factor in preventing re-injury and chronic instability after a sprain.
- Restores full range of motion
- Rebuilds ligament support muscles
- Retrains proprioception and balance
- Reduces chronic instability risk to near zero
Key Benefits of Professional Ankle Sprain Treatment
An ankle sprain treated properly the first time heals fully and stays stable. One treated inadequately leads to a cycle of re-injury that can last years. Advanced Ankle & Foot gives you the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation you need to break that cycle for good.
Fractures Are Often Mistaken for Sprains
Without X-rays, a fracture can be treated as a simple sprain — leading to serious complications. Dr. Burdge images every ankle injury at the first visit to ensure the correct diagnosis and the right treatment from day one.
Prevents the Re-Injury Cycle
Studies show up to 40% of ankle sprains lead to chronic instability when not properly rehabilitated. A structured strengthening and proprioception program after a sprain dramatically reduces future injury risk.
Sports Medicine Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Burdge trained alongside physicians who treated professional athletes and brings that same level of expertise to every ankle injury he treats.
From First Sprain to Chronic Instability
Whether this is your first ankle sprain or you have been dealing with a chronically unstable ankle for years, Dr. Burdge provides the full spectrum of care.
Don't Walk Off an Ankle Sprain
The way you treat your first sprain determines the health of that ankle for years to come.
Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Burdge and get back to full strength the right way.
Katy Office
- 21524 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77450
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Mon: 8am - 5pm
Tues: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thur: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 5pm