A sprained ankle can be a real pain but discover some of the best ways to treat it.
A sprained ankle can keep you from enjoying your favorite activities. No doubt you are ready to get back to the things you love. That’s why your Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton and Kensington, MD podiatrists Dr. Christopher Farnworth, Dr. Michael Frank and Dr. Marc Goldberg are here to recommend some of the ideal treatment options to get you back on your feet again.
Rest
If the sprain is bad enough you may need to use an ankle brace or crutches whenever you need to move around in order to reduce pain and discomfort. Whenever possible, try and stay off the sprained ankle. This will mean limiting the activities you participate in for the time being until your ankle heals.
Ice
For the first couple days after injuring your ankle, icing the area is a great way to keep swelling down. Apply a covered ice pack onto the ankle for up to 20 minutes every one to two hours throughout the day. Remember to never apply ice directly to your skin, always wrap it first.
Compression
Wearing a compression wrap around the ankle will also help decrease swelling. Compression wraps are great for the first two to three days after your injury. These wraps should also be worn if you are going to put any weight on the injured ankle.
Elevation
Keeping the ankle elevated above your heart for about two to three hours a day will help reduce bruising and swelling.
Medications
If your Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton and Kensington, MD foot doctors haven't prescribed prescription pain medication, then you may want to consider trying over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications like ibuprofen, which can reduce inflammation and pain.
By properly caring for your ankle the majority of ankle sprains will heal on their own with these at-home measures and also some rehab exercises, which we can recommend to you. This can take anywhere from six weeks to four months, depending on the severity of your ankle sprain.
Very rarely is surgery necessary but it may be if you are dealing with a serious ligament tear or if the ankle still seems unstable despite rehabilitation and these treatment options.
If you are dealing with symptoms of a sprained ankle then it’s time you sought the care you deserve. Turn to Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton and Kensington.