About this topic
Ankle sprains happen when a ligament in your ankle is injured or torn. Ligaments are strong, elastic-like fibers that keep the bones connected and steady. A sprain is most often caused by suddenly moving or twisting the ankle during sports or accidents. This can happen during a fall or playing a sport like soccer or basketball. Treatment of an ankle sprain is based on how bad it is. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your leg on pillows to help with swelling.
- Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage to help with swelling.
- Avoid walking on your injured ankle. Use crutches if ordered by your doctor. This will help keep your weight off your ankle.
- Your doctor may ask you to wear a brace or splint to prevent more damage to your ankle.
- Slowly begin to stretch your ankle when swelling and pain improve.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you are wearing a brace or splint, ask your doctor when it will be removed.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster.
- If the injury is not healing as expected, your doctor may order an x-ray to look for a broken bone.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your pain gets better. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain does not get better
- The sprained ligament could heal poorly, resulting in an unstable ankle.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Use proper footwear when you are playing sports. This may include athletic supports, shoes, or shoe inserts that keep your foot stable.
- Wear shoes that fit your feet properly.
- Do not wear high-heeled shoes if this injury keeps happening.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Ankle is weak or wobbly
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00150 ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp ‚
NHS Direct ‚
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/InitialAssessmentSelfCare/SprainsOrStrains ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚