![]() If your sprain was significant, especially if it prompted you to see a health care professional, you may experience a slower, longer recovery that could include: An ankle sleeve or lace-up brace can provide added support and stability. Once you've sprained your ankle, it's more susceptible to future injury. If it was a straightforward injury, didn't require an evaluation and you did not have any setbacks, you can expect symptoms to last for 10 to 12 weeks as the ligament heals. Once you've passed the initial recovery period, further treatment depends on the extent of the injury. What to expect for recovery, additional treatment If there's little or no improvement after the first week, consider consulting with a health care professional, such as a sports medicine specialist, your primary care provider or a physical therapist. ![]() At first, this includes walking short distances, such as to the bathroom, then progressing to your normal level of walking. Gradually return to your normal activities as long as your pain doesn't increase.Keep motion within your pain-free zone to avoid making the injury worse. Maintaining this range of motion can help prevent long-term stiffness, reduce swelling and help the stretched ligaments heal. Or move your ankle to the compass points: north to south and east to west. Start resistance-free, nonweight-bearing, range-of-motion exercises, such as drawing each letter of the alphabet with your foot.To manage pain, consider applying topical medications or patches. ![]() Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin, if you can safely take them.Continue with RICE, gradually reducing the steps as pain and swelling decrease.This will help control pain and decrease swelling.ĭepending on the severity of your symptoms, for the first one to two weeks: Some inflammation is needed for healing, but too much can be harmful.Įlevate your foot and ankle at or above the level of your heart as often as possible for the rest of the day. Using a compression sleeve, elastic bandage wrap or brace on the affected ankle can prevent excessive swelling, protect the area from repeated injuries and provide support. Don't apply ice directly to your skin, and use a towel or cloth for protection. Continue with 15 minutes of icing three times a day until the pain and swelling subside. Rest your ankle, and minimize walking for the rest of the day.Īpply ice to the sore part of your ankle, typically for 15 minutes on and then 15 minutes off, as much as possible for the rest of the day. If you've sprained your ankle, promptly begin following the "RICE" treatment to improve comfort, and minimize the risk of complications and long-term issues:Īvoid any activity that causes pain in the ankle. Also, significant tendon or ligament injuries, cartilage damage or even fractures may be missed if a severe sprain isn't properly evaluated. ![]() While common, if an ankle sprain isn't treated properly, it can lead to chronic issues, such as ankle instability or pain, limited ability to return to sports and degenerative arthritis. What to do immediately following a sprain An ankle sprain is the most common injury among athletes and active adults, but it can happen to anyone. You may just have sprained your ankle.Īn ankle sprain typically happens when you roll your ankle inward, which stretches or tears the ligaments supporting the outer part of the joint. Your ankle pops, twists or crunches, and now you're limping and sore. You step off a sidewalk curb, land wrong after shooting a basketball or stumble on uneven ground. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |