Mid-Ankle Injuries: What You Need to Know About Recovering Like a Longhorn

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their highly anticipated rivalry game against Texas A&M this Saturday, all eyes are on quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is recovering from a mild ankle sprain sustained during last weekend’s win over the Kentucky Wildcats. After a defender’s hip-drop tackle during a scramble, Ewers’ ankle tightened up, but an MRI revealed no structural damage. Still, the injury has raised questions: What causes a mid-ankle injury like this, and how can it affect both athletes and non-athletes alike? Let’s dive into the specifics of mid-ankle sprains, their causes, and how Dr. Ho-Ellsworth can help you recover with the latest treatments at Align Foot & Ankle.

What Caused Quinn Ewers’ Mid-Ankle Injury?

Quinn Ewers’ injury occurred when he was tackled by a Kentucky defender, who performed a hip-drop tackle as Ewers was scrambling during a play. The impact and sudden twisting motion caused the ligaments in the middle of Ewers’ ankle to overstretch, resulting in a mild sprain.

Mid-ankle sprains, like the one sustained by Ewers, typically involve the syndesmotic ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. These injuries often occur when there’s a twisting force or excessive pressure applied to the ankle, especially when the foot is planted and the body is forced to rotate in an awkward position.

Though not as common as lateral ankle sprains, mid-ankle sprains can cause significant discomfort, especially when the injury occurs during high-impact movements in sports. The pain, swelling, and difficulty walking that follow are the body’s natural response to the trauma, and treatment is key to ensuring a quick and effective recovery.

Symptoms of a Mid-Ankle Injury

  • Pain: Typically located in the front or middle of the ankle, aggravated by twisting movements or bearing weight.
  • Swelling: Often visible around the ankle joint.
  • Bruising: May develop a few days after the injury.
  • Stiffness: Difficulty bending or rotating the ankle.

How Dr. Ho-Ellsworth Can Help You Recover at Align Foot & Ankle

If you’ve experienced a mid-ankle injury, proper care is essential to ensure a speedy recovery and avoid further complications. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth at Align Foot & Ankle specializes in treating ankle injuries with both traditional and advanced regenerative treatments to promote healing and restore function quickly.

1. Accurate Diagnosis and Imaging

An accurate diagnosis is essential for any ankle injury. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth uses advanced diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and MRIs, to evaluate the extent of the injury and rule out more severe issues like fractures.

2. Regenerative Injections to Promote Healing

For sprains and soft tissue injuries, regenerative injections are used to decrease inflammation and boost the body’s natural healing process. These injections help stimulate the repair of ligaments and tissues in the injured area, reducing pain and speeding up recovery.

3. Laser Therapy for Pain Relief and Healing

  • MLS Laser Therapy: This therapy reduces inflammation, stimulates tissue regeneration, and accelerates healing by targeting deeper layers of tissue.
  • Class IV Remy Laser Therapy: This advanced laser treatment provides deeper penetration into tissues, offering fast pain relief and enhanced tissue healing, making it ideal for moderate to severe injuries.

4. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Once the acute pain and swelling begin to subside, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth works with physical therapists to develop a customized rehabilitation plan. This plan will include exercises that restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion, helping you regain full function and reduce the risk of re-injury.

5. Custom Orthotics and Footwear

During recovery, it’s crucial to provide the ankle with proper support. Custom orthotics, designed using state-of-the-art gait analysis, can help stabilize the injured ankle and prevent further strain. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth also offers personalized footwear recommendations to ensure optimal comfort and alignment as you heal.

Get Back on Your Feet with Align Foot & Ankle

Dr. Ho-Ellsworth, an alumna of the University of Texas and a lifelong Longhorns supporter, understands the demands of athletics and is dedicated to helping both professional athletes and everyday patients recover from injuries with personalized care. At Align Foot & Ankle, we offer the latest in advanced treatments to get you back to doing what you love.

Whether you’re dealing with a mild ankle sprain like Quinn Ewers or recovering from another foot or ankle issue, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth can help guide you through a comprehensive recovery plan.

Ready to Heal? Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Don’t let an ankle injury sideline you—whether it’s a mild sprain or something more complex, Align Foot & Ankle has the treatments and expertise to help you recover. Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth and start your path to recovery!

Hook ‘Em Horns and let’s get you back in the game!

Contact Align Foot & Ankle

  • Phone: 512-882-4911
  • Location: 1600 W 1600 W 38th St #408, Austin, TX 78731

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