A sprain that keeps recurring has a name — chronic ankle instability. Bracing, PT, or surgery — here is the right path.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what why ankle sprains keep coming back means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentIn Our Clinic
Most of our ankle sprains are acute — a patient comes in the same day or within 48 hours after rolling the ankle. We apply the Ottawa Ankle Rules first: bone tenderness at the posterior malleolus, navicular, or base of the 5th metatarsal, or inability to bear weight for 4 steps, means we image immediately to rule out fracture. For a clean grade 1–2 lateral ligament sprain, we use a short period of boot immobilization if needed, then transition into an ankle brace + proprioception training. The mistake we often see: patients skip the rehab phase and re-sprain within a year.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Ankle Sprain Essentials
Stability Walking/Running Shoe
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — lateral support during recovery walking.
KT Tape for Ankle Support
KT Tape — proprioceptive support for athletic return-to-play.
Supportive Insole
Watch: Fix TWISTED Ankle, ROLLED Ankle or SPRAINED Ankle Ligaments FASTER! — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces re-injury risk during recovery.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
A sprain that hasn’t fully recovered after 6 weeks often has residual ligament laxity or occult fracture that keeps the ankle unstable. Balance Foot & Ankle X-rays and stress-tests every lingering sprain — if the ligament is torn, we offer bracing, PRP, and (for chronic instability) minimally-invasive repair. Don’t keep re-rolling the same ankle; let us stabilize it properly.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle sprains, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-week evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-week appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Book Your VisitReady to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-week, Howell or Bloomfield Township. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-week appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Recovery time depends on severity: Grade 1 (mild stretching) typically heals in 1-3 weeks, Grade 2 (partial tear) in 3-6 weeks, and Grade 3 (complete tear) in 6-12 weeks or longer. Proper rehabilitation is critical to prevent chronic ankle instability, which affects up to 40% of patients who don't receive adequate treatment. Dr. Biernacki creates customized recovery plans.
When should I see a doctor for a sprained ankle?
Seek professional evaluation if you can't bear weight, notice significant swelling or bruising, hear a pop at the time of injury, have numbness, or if pain hasn't improved after 5-7 days of RICE treatment. X-rays or MRI may be needed to rule out fractures. Dr. Biernacki offers same-day urgent evaluations at 810-206-1402.
Can a sprained ankle heal without treatment?
While mild sprains may heal with rest and home care, undiagnosed ligament tears and improperly rehabilitated sprains frequently lead to chronic ankle instability, recurrent sprains, and early-onset arthritis. A proper evaluation ensures appropriate treatment and reduces your risk of long-term complications significantly.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.