A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries, affecting people of all ages. A sprain can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking during sports, exercise, or a simple misstep. Recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain, ranging from a few days to several weeks or even months.
If you’re experiencing ankle pain and think you could have sprained your ankle, it is important to seek medical care to rule out a more serious injury. At AFC Urgent Care North Waltham, our walk-in urgent care clinic is available 7 days a week to provide rapid care for minor injuries like sprained ankles. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
How to Treat a Sprained Ankle?
Sprained ankles can cause intense pain. Symptoms of a sprained ankle can last upwards of a month, so it is important to know the best methods for a quick recovery. The first step in treating a sprained ankle is to follow the R.I.C.E method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle. Use crutches if needed to minimize strain.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack for 15 - 20 minutes every 2 - 3 hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to limit swelling and provide support.
- Elevation: Keep the ankle raised above heart level to help fluid drain away from the area.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort and inflammation. For moderate to severe sprains, your medical provider may recommend a brace, splint, or even a short period of immobilization. Physical therapy might also be advised to ensure the ligaments heal properly and to regain mobility.
How to Strengthen Your Ankle After a Sprain?
Once the pain and swelling have subsided, rehabilitation exercises are crucial to restore strength, balance, and flexibility. A few simple exercises can make a big difference:
- Range-of-motion exercises: Move the ankle in circles or trace the alphabet with your toes to gently increase flexibility.
- Stretching: Perform calf and Achilles tendon stretches to prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening exercises: Use resistance bands for ankle flexion, extension, and side movements.
- Balance and coordination: Practice standing on one foot or using a balance board to improve stability.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Sprained Ankle
While many sprained ankles heal on their own with home care, some cases require medical attention. You should seek medical care if:
- The pain is severe or worsens over time.
- You cannot bear weight on the affected foot.
- There's significant swelling, bruising, or deformity.
- You hear a popping sound at the time of injury.
- The ankle feels unstable or keeps giving way. Symptoms haven't improved after a week of home treatment.
Delaying treatment for a sprained ankle can lead to complications like chronic pain, instability, or arthritis. Seeking medical care ensures a proper evaluation, especially when symptoms are severe or unclear. Also, if you are unsure about the severity of your injury, seeking medical advice is a smart and proactive step to protect your long-term joint health.
Walk Into AFC North Waltham for Same-Day Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
Sprained ankles can take weeks to heal. Although they can be treated at home in most cases, it is important to get your injury evaluated by a medical professional to rule out a more severe injury. At AFC Urgent Care North Waltham, our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week, including weekends, to provide rapid same-day care for minor injuries.
Our clinic is available every day from 8am to 8pm. Our board-certified medical providers are able to provide quality care for most minor conditions, including sprained ankles. We have a digital X-ray suite on-site to help rule out broken bones or other injuries. We work with most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, walk into the clinic or give us a call at (781) 701-0900.
