How To Deal with a Sprained Ankle
Follow these helpful hints to make sure your ankle heals quickly.
A sprained ankle can happen to anyone. Find out the most common treatment options and how your Torrance, CA podiatrists at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers can help get you back on your feet in no time.Sprained Ankle
What does a sprained ankle mean?
If your Torrance foot doctor has told you that you’ve sprained your ankle this simply means that at least one of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle has been stretched or torn. Sometimes those with more severe sprains may have even felt a pop at the time of the injury.
Does a sprained ankle need treatment?
Yes, absolutely! You should come into our Torrance, CA podiatric office at the first sign of any ankle pain, swelling, bruising, etc. If an ankle sprain is left untreated you could be faced with long-term ankle problems like instability. Plus, when you come in for a diagnosis we will need to run an X-ray to make sure that you haven’t fractured any bones and to properly determine that your symptoms are due to a sprain.
How should I care for my sprained ankle?
By treating your sprained ankle immediately you can prevent issues such as chronic pain and instability. For those with minor, or what we call Grade I sprains you may find that conservative options like the R.I.C.E. method offer the relief you need:
Rest: Try not to bear down on your ankle and avoid activities that could exacerbate your condition. Take it easy and rest whenever possible.
Ice: Icing can go a long way to reducing swelling. Always wrap ice in a cloth or towel before applying to skin and never ice for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Compression: This is another way to reduce swelling and to provide additional support and stability for your ankle.
Elevation: Prop the foot up above the heart to keep swelling down.
You should notice that by adopting the R.I.C.E method that swelling goes down in a couple of days.
For those with Grade II sprains, the R.I.C.E method is still recommended but it may take longer for your sprain to heal. Your podiatrist in Torrance, CA may also recommend wearing a cast or splint to immobilize the ankle until it has healed.
Those with Grade III sprains are at a high risk of developing ankle instability if they leave this issue untreated. You may be required to wear a cast or boot for several weeks. While surgery is rarely needed, those with repeated ankle sprains may need surgery to tighten the ligaments in their ankles.
Don’t let ankle pain affect your quality of life. Turn to the podiatric experts of Precision Foot and Ankle Centers for all of your foot and ankle needs.