Injuries happen unexpectedly. One of the most common conditions seen in urgent care clinics is sprained ankles. Sprained ankles occur when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are strained, causing severe pain and trouble bearing weight on the affected foot. Although sprained ankles can be extremely painful, they typically do not require specialized medical care and will heal on their own with proper at-home care. This article will review tips and tricks for healing a sprained ankle at home so that you can recover quickly.
If you’re in need of rapid injury care, AFC Urgent Care North Bergen is here to help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is open every day to provide patients near North Bergen, NJ, with convenient injury care. We accept walk-in patients daily and maintain short wait times. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule your visit online below.
How Do You Know If Your Ankle is Sprained or Broken?
Sprained ankles can be extremely painful. This often leads patients to believe that they may have broken a bone. The treatment for a broken bone and a sprained ankle are very different, so it is important to understand signs that you may have broken a bone so that you can seek appropriate medical care.
Signs of a sprained ankle:
- Swelling
- Bruising around the area
- Difficult bearing weight
- Tenderness to the touch
If your leg has a visible deformity, you likely have a fracture or broken bone. If you’re unsure of the severity of your injury, it is best to get X-ray images of the affected area. Trying to heal a broken bone at home could result in the injury becoming more severe.
At-Home Treatment Tips to Quickly Heal a Sprained Ankle
If you suspect you may have sprained your ankle, you can try treating your injury using the RICE method:
Rest: Avoid using the affected limb as much as possible by using crutches and resting as much as possible.
Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to manage swelling and pain.
Compress: Gently compress the affected area to manage swelling and provide support to the joint while it heals.
Elevate: Elevate your foot and ankle to push blood and fluids away from the affected area to manage swelling and allow your body to heal effectively.
Sprained ankles typically heal on their own within 3 weeks with proper care. Actual healing time can vary based on the severity of the injury. If your symptoms are worsening over time, it is important to seek medical care to rule out the possibility that you have broken or fractured a bone.
When to Seek Medical Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
Sprained ankles can be very painful. If you’re unsure whether your ankle is sprained or broken, you should always use caution and seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to take X-ray images of your joint to check for signs of a break. Based on the results, they can advise on at-home care tips for a sprain or suggest a treatment plan for a broken bone. Delaying medical treatment for a broken bone can cause serious implications, so always err on the side of caution and seek medical care.
Visit AFC North Bergen for Rapid Sprained Ankle Diagnosis & Treatment
If you think you sprained your ankle, you should seek out medical care to rule out a break or fracture. If your ankle is sprained, it will typically heal within 3 weeks with proper care. Properly following the RICE method is the most effective way to treat a sprained ankle. If you’re in need of rapid injury diagnosis for an ankle injury, AFC North Bergen can help. Our clinic is equipped with a digital X-ray imaging suite for fast and accurate injury diagnosis. We never require you to schedule an appointment or have a referral; simply walk into the clinic. We accept most insurance plans and offer affordable care for self-paying patients. For more information, contact us directly by calling (201) 588-1300.
