New Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialist Cautions That Neglected Ankle Sprains Can Lead to More Serious Injury

WALL, NJ--(Marketwired - May 15, 2014) - The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey is a New Jersey orthopedic surgery center staffed by a team of physicians with specialties including sports medicine, arthroscopy, and joint replacement. Dr. Shane Hollawell, a foot and ankle specialist, treats ankle injuries ranging from minor sprains to more serious injuries that require surgery.

In a recent blog post titled, "How to Care for an Ankle Sprain," Dr. Hollawell says his patients typically recover quickly from a grade 1 and some grade 2 ankle sprains, often healing within weeks of the initial injury. Once an injury sprain is qualified as a grade 3 ankle sprain, the recovery time can take 4-8 weeks, or longer.

Dr. Hollawell notes there are occasions when a sprain is severe enough that a patient may in fact fail to respond to conservative measures and is not able to return to pre-injury activities or work duties. In such cases, when a patient continues to experience pain, weakness, and/or difficulty with proprioception/balance, ankle surgery may be indicated.

As a primary method of repairing ankle ligament structures, Dr. Hollawell utilizes arthroscopic or combination of arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques for ankle ligament repair. This method reduces postoperative swelling and discomfort, and may expedite the time frame for the patient's recovery.

During ankle surgery and/or ankle sprain recovery, the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey patients are able to take advantage of the practice's on-site physical therapy center. The therapists are familiarized with the surgeon's postoperative protocol in managing patients who have recently undergone ankle repair. Dr. Hollawell says the results of ankle surgery can be enhanced by early mobilization and a comprehensive course of rehabilitation.

The New Jersey orthopedic surgeon explains that patients can experience repetitive ankle sprains as a result of chronic ankle instability. In addition, patients may experience low-grade chronic pain as a result of a persistent or unresolved ankle sprain. He cautions that patients who allow a severe ankle sprain to go left untreated place themselves at a higher risk for recurrent sprains which can eventually lead to arthritis. Therefore, it is critical that patients promptly receive appropriate treatment for a severe ankle sprain to prevent the worsening of their condition.

About Shane M. Hollawell, DPM

Dr. Shane Hollawell is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. He is graduate of Moravian College and earned his Doctorate Degree in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Hollawell currently serves on the faculty of the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ, as well as the faculty of Western University in Pomona, CA. In addition to having been recognized in a "Who's Who in the World" publication, he has also been named a "Top Doctor" in New Jersey Magazine. Dr. Hollawell's work has been featured in numerous publications within his field of specialty, as well. He is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey, please visit orthoinstitute.com or facebook.com/OrthopaedicInstituteofCentralJersey.

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