While an ankle sprain is an extremely painful injury, in the majority of cases you can care for it on your own without having to see a doctor. Here are some self-care tips to help you get back on your feet. However, if your symptoms worsen or you have a severe sprain, you will need to seriously consider seeing a doctor.
When to Get Help
If you heard a “popping” sound when you suffered your ankle sprain, the chances are it will be a sign that you have a severe sprain and should probably get medical help. If this type of injury is not treated promptly and correctly, you may be at risk of long-term complications. You need to seek medical treatment if your ankle cannot bear any weight or you notice a deformity or substantial swelling. The reason is that you may have broken your ankle, not sprained it.
Self-Care
A milder ankle sprain, however, can typically be treated at home. The first thing to do, of course, is to stay off the ankle. While you may be able to put some weight on the injured leg, limit any standing or walking as much as you can, at least for a few days. An ankle brace could help make the area more stable and also control swelling. You should also apply ice a few times a day for about 10-15 minutes at a time to limit swelling. It is very important, however, to remember not to apply ice directly to your skin because that could cause frostbite. Put something between the ice and skin such as a pillow case or a thin cloth. Elevating the foot above your waist or heart can reduce swelling as well.
C0ntact Us About an Ankle Sprain
Your swelling should subside after a few days and you should get back to normal. But if your symptoms do not subside or they worsen, then your ankle sprain may be much more serious than you first thought. Get in touch with Advanced Spine & Orthopedics by calling 817-310-8783 or contacting us online to schedule an examination.
