The doctor’s office or emergency room are definitely the places to go for some foot and ankle problems. In the case of a broken lower limb, see a doctor and have the area x-rayed at the very least to make sure the broken ends are lined up for proper healing (or have them inserted).
A certain degree of diagnoses and treatment of some foot and ankle problems can, and should, be done on your own.
We need to mention that severe injuries usually require professional care before we discuss appropriate treatment for an ankle sprain. Contact the Dr. Arshia Roohian at All in one Foot Care Center if you have been experiencing intense pain after a sprain-or if you have tried to treat the injury on your own without success. An effective treatment plan will be created after we evaluate the injury.
Pain and swelling accompany ankle sprains, which can make it difficult to bear weight on the injured foot. In order to begin first aid when you experience these kinds of symptoms after rolling your foot awkwardly, follow these steps:
- Many physically active people, especially those who sprain their ankles, try to return to their activities too quickly after injury. It is essential that you rest in order for your body to begin repairing damaged tissues. It is not advisable to return to an exercise routine, sports, or other physical activity immediately after recovering. It can lead to chronic ankle problems.
- In order to reduce swelling and inflammation after an ankle sprain, you should apply ice. In addition to helping prevent this, ice can also relieve pain from the injury. Make sure you wrap ice or ice packs before applying them to your ankle if you are going to use cold therapy on it (in order to avoid bruising the skin). The wrapped ice should only be left on the affected area for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time (per icing session).
- Another method to reduce swelling from ankle sprains is to apply pressure to the affected area. The affected ankle should be wrapped tightly with a fabric bandage. Avoid wrapping it too tightly, however. When you experience tingling, numbness, and/or pain, it’s too tight (and needs to be loosen).
- Regardless of how minor or extensive the injury and your pain is, you must see a specialist immediately.
Consider using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever if the inflammation and pain are more severe. First contact our office for expert recommendations.