What to Do If You Think You Have an Ankle Sprain

If you've sprained your ankle, you're probably eager to get back to normal as soon as possible. In many cases, taking it easy for a week or two is all you need to do to heal. If your ankle doesn't improve with home care, your Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, and Kensington, MD, podiatrists, Dr. Marc Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank, and Dr. Adam Lowy of Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland, can help.

What to do about a sprained ankle at home

Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint stretch or tear. Stepping into depression in the ground or rolling your ankle while running or walking can cause your ankle to roll under and strain the ligaments.

At the moment the ligaments stretch or tear, you may hear a popping sound and experience pain. If the sprain is mild, the pain may go away in just a few hours. Pain from more severe sprains can linger for weeks.

If you suspect that you have a sprain, follow these steps:

  • Keep your foot elevated: Elevating the foot decreases swelling. When you lie down, make sure that your foot is raised above the level of your heart.
  • Stay off your feet: Avoid walking or standing as much as possible for a few days. After two or three days, you may be able to start gentle exercises to keep your ankle flexible.
  • Wrap your ankle: Wrapping a compression bandage around your ankle reduces swelling and fluid accumulation and can help decrease stiffness.
  • Take pain medication: Take ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to decrease pain and swelling.
  • Use ice: Ice packs also ease pain and swelling in the first day or two after your injury.

How your podiatrist can ease your pain

Call your Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, or Kensington foot doctor if you have severe pain, you can't put any weight on your ankle, or your ankle isn't getting better after a week or two of home care. Treatment for sprained ankles depends on the severity of the strain but may include:

  • Cast, boot, brace, or crutches: These mobility aids reduce pressure on your ankle, allowing the ligaments to heal.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy decreases stiffness, improves range of motion, and strengthens your ankle and the muscles that support it.
  • Surgery: Surgery is generally only needed if you have a severe sprain that makes your ankle unstable.

Are you concerned about a sprained ankle? Call your podiatrists in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Silver Spring, and Kensington, MD, Dr. Marc Goldberg, Dr. Michael Frank, and Dr. Adam Lowy, to schedule an appointment. You can reach the offices of Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland by calling (301) 924-5044 for the Olney office, (301) 868-7670 for the Camp Springs/Clinton office, (301) 439-0300 for the Silver Spring offices, or (301) 942-8110 for the Kensington office.

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