A twisted ankle is one of the most common injuries people experience, whether you're an athlete, a casual walker, anyone can experience this kind of injury. While many cases are mild and can be treated at home, some ankle injuries require professional medical attention. Knowing when your symptoms suggest you should seek medical care can make a significant difference in your recovery process and help prevent long-term damage.
If you’re experiencing ankle pain and are in need of rapid same-day care, visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, including on weekends, to provide patients in Waltham, MA with fast and convenient medical treatment. We offer care for most minor conditions, including sprained ankles! Simply visit the clinic when it’s convenient for you, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
Signs Your Ankle Injury Requires Medical Care
Ankle injuries can be very painful, and often impact your ability to move around normally. It's normal to wonder if an ankle injury needs medical care or just rest and ice. As a general rule, if the swelling, pain, or bruising worsens over time or doesn't improve after a few days, it's best to seek medical treatment from a professional. If you’re unable to put any weight on the injured foot, hear a popping sound at the time of injury, or notice visible deformity, you should seek immediate care. These signs and symptoms indicate a potentially serious ankle injury that requires emergency care.
It is possible to treat a mild sprained ankle at home with proper care. However, if your ankle is severely swollen, you're unable to walk, or the pain is sharp and persistent, don't wait it out. Getting medical care can help ensure proper diagnosis and faster recovery. Ignoring the signs may worsen the injury, delay healing, or even lead to chronic instability. Prompt medical attention protects your long-term mobility and gets you back on your feet sooner.
Common Causes of Ankle Pain
Ankle injuries can happen in a split second, and are often incredibly painful, even when minor. There are several different types of injuries that can happen in the ankle area. The most common is a sprained or twisted ankle. This occurs when you over-extend the ligaments that support your ankle, leading to swelling, bruising, and pain. Torn tendons and minor fractures can also occur around the ankle area, so it is important to seek medical care and rule out a serious injury if you’re in pain.
Treatment Options Available for Sprained or Twisted Ankles
When you seek medical care for a twisted ankle, your medical provider will begin by examining the affected area to assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may order imaging tests like an X-ray to check for fractures or ligament tears.
Treatment also typically depends on the type and severity of the injury. Mild sprains may only require rest and physical therapy, while more serious injuries might need immobilization with a brace or boot. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments or correct structural damage. Your medical provider may also recommend pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or specific rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength and flexibility.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham for Same-Day Ankle Injury Diagnosis & Treatment
Ankle injuries can be very painful and are unfortunately very common. If you’re suffering from an ankle injury, seeking urgent medical care will help ensure you’re able to properly treat your injury and promote a faster recovery than trying to treat it at home. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for ankle injuries 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm! Just visit the clinic when it works for your schedule - no appointment necessary. We work with most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. To learn more about our clinic, give us a call at (781) 894-6900.
