Here's how to treat a sprained ankle
Sprained ankles are a common injury that can happen to anyone, whether you're an athlete training for a race or just going about your day-to-day activities.
A sprain often causes pain, swelling, and limited mobility. But don't worry; many effective treatments for sprained ankles can help you get back on your feet in no time.
Here we'll discuss the causes and symptoms of sprained ankles and the best ways to treat and prevent them.
Whether it’s a sprained ankle from sports, an on-the-job injury, or simply a misstep you took walking around, let's learn about sprained ankles.
Sprained ankle symptoms
A sprained ankle occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. This stretching or tearing happens due to a sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle. This is different than a broken bone.
Some common symptoms of a sprained ankle include:
- Pain. There may be mild to severe pain in the ankle, depending on the severity of the sprain.
- Swelling. The ankle may become swollen and tender to the touch.
- Bruising. In some cases, bruising may occur around the ankle or foot.
- Stiffness. The ankle may feel stiff and difficult to move.
- Limited range of motion. You may have difficulty moving your ankle in certain directions or putting weight on it.
- Popping sound. You may have heard a popping sound at the time of injury.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms after twisting or rolling your ankle? See an urgent care doctor at your local CityMD for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In some cases, a sprain can be severe and require more extensive treatment, like immobilization in a cast or even surgery.
How to treat a sprained ankle
Treating a sprained ankle involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (also known as RICE).
- Rest. Rest the affected ankle and avoid putting weight on it as much as possible. Use crutches if necessary.
- Ice. Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression. Wrap the affected ankle with an elastic bandage or compression wrap. This can help reduce swelling and provide support to the ankle.
- Elevation. Elevate the affected ankle above the level of your heart as much as possible. This can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
In addition to RICE, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Avoiding any activities that may aggravate the injury and giving your ankle time to heal is essential.
If your sprained ankle is severe, you may need to see a specialist like an orthopedist or physical therapist for further treatment. At CityMD, we can examine your ankle sprain and refer you to additional healthcare professionals if needed.
Sprained ankle treatment at CityMD Sprained ankles can be painful and frustrating, but they can heal completely with proper treatment and care. Remember to rest your ankle, elevate it, and apply ice to reduce swelling. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your ankle. CityMD offers fast and convenient urgent care services for sprained ankles and other injuries. Our experienced doctors and urgent care medical staff are available seven days a week to accommodate your schedule. We are committed to providing high-quality care and helping you recover as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one suffers from a sprained ankle, visit one of our locations today and let us help you get back on your feet!
How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
Healing times for ankle sprains vary depending on the severity of the injury.
Mild sprains can take a few days to a couple of weeks to heal. More severe sprains may take several weeks, or even months, to fully heal.
During the healing process, you must rest the ankle, avoiding any activities that may cause further damage. Applying ice, compression, and elevation can also help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
In some cases, you may need physical therapy to help restore strength and flexibility to the ankle once it has healed. In short, follow your doctor's advice and be patient during healing. It'll help you work toward a complete and successful recovery.
Sprained ankle treatment at CityMD
Sprained ankles can be painful and frustrating, but they can heal completely with proper treatment and care. Remember to rest your ankle, elevate it, and apply ice to reduce swelling.
Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your ankle. CityMD offers fast and convenient urgent care services for sprained ankles and other injuries.
Our experienced doctors and urgent care medical staff are available seven days a week to accommodate your schedule. We are committed to providing high-quality care and helping you recover as quickly as possible.
If you or a loved one suffers from a sprained ankle, visit one of our locations today and let us help you get back on your feet!
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.