When to See a Doctor for Ankle Injuries

June 23, 2022 1:46 pm Published by

ankle injury

Foot and ankle injuries are common. Consider this: every day, 25,000 Americans sprain an ankle. That’s a lot of sprained ankles, and sprains are only one type of ankle injury.

While ankle injuries sometimes occur during a sports game or practice, they are nearly as likely to occur in daily life. It’s pretty easy to move too quickly and turn an ankle in the process.

The good news is that in most cases an injured ankle can be treated effectively with basic at-home care. But do you know when to see a doctor for ankle injuries?

The Different Types of Ankle Injuries

It’s pretty common to injure an ankle. After all, the ankle is the spot where the foot and leg meet—and it’s a spot that takes a lot of pressure when you’re moving around.

There are several kinds of ankle injuries, most commonly sprains, strains and fractures. What’s the difference between these injuries?

Ankle sprains and strains are often thrown together in discussion, but they’re distinct injuries that can cause pain and disrupt range of motion.

An ankle strain occurs when muscles and tendons around the ankle are stretched or torn. This type of ankle injury is usually the least severe, but can still be quite painful.

An ankle sprain, on the other hand, occurs when the ligaments around the ankle are stretched or torn. When you have a sprained ankle, you will likely see a distinctive bruise that would not be present with a strain.

Ankle fractures, which are breaks in the ankle bone itself, are the most severe type of ankle injury and usually take the longest to heal properly.

Caring for an Injured Ankle at Home

If you experience a mild sprain or strain, you can usually find relief from discomfort with some basic care. Try the RICE method:

  • When you’re experiencing ankle pain, that’s your clue to stop the activity. Rest the injured ankle.
  • In the immediate aftermath of an ankle injury, apply ice, which can help reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice for short periods of time, and keep a layer of cloth between your ankle and the ice.
  • Use a bandage or a tight sock to compress the ankle area. This can help prevent swelling, which worsens pain.
  • While you’re resting, seize the opportunity to really relax and put your feet up. Elevating your ankle above the level of your heart can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Along with these basics, you might also try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, or a pain reliever. If your symptoms don’t ease or they worsen over time, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Signs You Need Medical Attention

While it’s true that many injuries will improve with at-home care, not all will. In some cases, medical attention is needed.

While you should see a medical provider if your symptoms don’t go away within a few days, these other signs may indicate that you need medical attention:

  • You can’t bear weight on the ankle
  • You can’t move your toes
  • The foot or ankle are numb
  • The ankle appears deformed or out of place
  • Pain is intense and severe

These symptoms are common with an ankle fracture, where the ankle bone is broken. But they can also occur with certain types of ankle sprains (Grade 2 or Grade 3, where the ligament is torn rather than stretched), so even if a fracture isn’t suspected, medical attention can be helpful.

If you aren’t certain whether your ankle injury needs to be seen by a medical provider, a telemedicine visit might be helpful. You can talk through your symptoms with a provider and even provide a look at the injury for help determining next steps.

Emergency medical attention usually isn’t necessary for ankle injuries, unless the foot is deformed or you cannot walk at all.

 

Whether you need care for a minor ankle sprain or a surgical procedure to treat a lingering injury, Magnolia Regional Health Center’s Orthopaedic Center of Excellence is here to help.

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center