Ankle Sprain

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An ankle sprain happens when one or more ligaments in your ankle joint stretch or tear. The ankle joint is where your lower leg bones and the bones in your foot meet. A ligament is strong elastic tissue that connects one bone to another.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rest your ankle:

You may need to rest your ankle and avoid activities that cause you pain. Rest allows your ligaments to heal. Return to normal activities as directed.

Ice your ankle:

Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage in your ankle. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Put the ice pack on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. Use the ice as directed.

Compress your ankle:

You may need to wrap an elastic bandage around your ankle. An ankle wrap will compress (put pressure on) your ankle to help decrease swelling. Compression also helps support your ankle, and allows it to heal. Wear your ankle wrap for as long as directed. Ask for instructions about how to wrap your ankle.

Elevate your ankle:

When you sit or lie down, keep your ankle at, or above the level of your hips. Elevation may help decrease pain and swelling.

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to decrease or take away pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are medicines you can get without a doctor's order. They may help decrease your pain.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you take any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Use crutches:

You may have crutches to help you walk while your ankle heals. Crutches help you keep your weight off your ankle, and help prevent more ankle damage. Use crutches as directed.

Care for your ankle when in an ankle support:

Care for your ankle while it is in a splint or brace as directed. Follow instructions on how to bathe while you are wearing a brace or splint.

Physical therapy:

Your primary healthcare provider may have you go to physical therapy. A physical therapist shows you exercises to strengthen your ankle and improve your balance. Physical therapy may help your ligaments heal, and help you walk. These exercises may also help to decrease your pain.

Prevent another injury:

• Maintain a healthy body weight to decrease the pressure on your ankle.
  
  
• Wear shoes that fit right and support your ankle. Avoid wearing high heels.
  
  
• Strengthen your leg and foot muscles by doing exercises your caregiver suggests.
  
  
• Start exercising slowly, and do more as you get stronger.
  
  
• Stretch and warm up before you exercise or play sports.
  
  
• Pay attention to ground surfaces when you walk or run to help prevent falling and twisting your ankle.
  
  
• Use ankle braces or wraps, as directed by caregivers, to support your ankle during exercise and sports.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You are unable to walk more than a few steps.
  
  
• Your ankle pain gets worse.
  
  
• You have questions about your ankle sprain or treatment.

Return to the emergency department if:

• The skin on, or near your ankle feels cold, or turns blue or white.
  
  
• Your ankle, foot, or toes become numb or tingle.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Ankle Sprain (Aftercare Instructions)