While sprains can occur in various parts of the body, the ankle is the most common site for sprains. You might have to go the Emergency Room less than you think! He conducted the largest study ever on subtle fractures of the ankle that are frequently misdiagnosed as ankle sprains. Compression with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling should be applied early. Walking or weight bearing too soon may slow healing or cause further Restricted range of motion. I have sprained my ankles alot playing indoor soccer over the years so if it were me, I'd probably RICE rest, ice, compression, elevate, until symptoms like swelling and bruising go away. Not wanting to bother his doctor with just an ankle sprain he heads to the ER in Marin. You do not have to go to the emergency room or the hospital if you've . You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage. You should call 911 or go to the emergency room for more complex or critical medical needs, such as a head injury or a potential stroke. Go to the Pediatric ER if: You see an "obvious deformity" If your eye sees it's bad, it's probably bad enough to have a medical professional evaluate it immediately. Rest is achieved by limiting weight-bearing. Sprains and strains heal quite quickly in children and teens. Dr. Christopher Segler is a renowned ankle expertwhobelieves that rapid expert treatment is the best treatment for a sprained ankle. According to Dr. Davis, your childs ankle injury needs a doctors attention if there is: Dr. Davis says to make sure to check the foot for any tenderness even though your child may be reporting ankle pain. However, there are a few ways to help determine whether youre dealing with a break or a sprain. The current standard of care at emergency rooms is to take x-rays of the ankle to make sure there is no obvious fracture. In Many Cases, Yes! Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Ankle sprains can be painful and inconvenient but usually are not serious. approach for the first two or three days: Rest. Despite the name, urgent care centers treat less critical ailments, such as a sprained ankle or a fever. Wraps and braces usually are not necessary for young athletes who are properly conditioned and have no previous injury, Dr. Davis says. So how do youtell the difference between a strain, sprain or a fracture? When he finally does sees the ankle doctor, he is told he has a subtle break in one of the bones in his ankle called a lateral process fracture. In my experience, the one concern patients should always go to the ER for is abdominal pain. Early treatment includes RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method for the first two to three days. When you come to Rose Urgent Care, we X-ray your injury to survey the extent of your damage and make sure you get the right treatment. Can a sprained ankle get worse? A grade III sprain:involves a complete tear of a ligament. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. A sprained ankle is similar to a twisted ankle but to a greater degree. confusion, numbness/tingling in arms or legs, weakness on one side, speech problems) These events tend to occur when your physicians office is closed and can be quite common for kids that are athletic and active. Turns out I had a fracture add ended up in a cast for 2 months. My ankle was also like the size of a melon and completely purple so it was obvious I f'd it up good. You have swelling in the ankle that worsens throughout the day. Having good flexibility, balance and endurance. With a Grade I sprain, you can generally walk on the ankle, but you may want to consider a walking boot or at least a supportive shoe to help . In the first two to three days after your childs injury, avoid the following: It is essential in all but mild cases for a medical doctor to evaluate the injury and establish a treatment and rehabilitation plan. Your child may need a splint, brace, boot or cast. The child or young adult will have moderate pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Choose a location near you and give us a call. If the ankle sprain is minor, recovery can take place within two to three weeks. Policy. Rest is achieved by limiting weight-bearing. An ankle sprain after tripping over the leash while walking your dog that needs an X-ray; . Accommodations needed are that I not stand on it for extended periods of time + be able to . Here's some Tylenol, good luck." If you can see a broken bone or an open wound near what may be a broken bone, bring the child to the emergency room. Should you go to ER if you hit your head? If you've hurt . I used an Ace bandage. Yesterday I went to the ER and they said it's moderately sprained with some torn ligaments. Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries presenting to primary care offices, urgent care centers, and ERs. It is normal for the body may respond to the acute injury by muscle guarding and pain to limit the use of the ankle joint. Ankle sprain is a ligament injury caused by twisting of your ankle inward or outward, this can happened secondary to weak and tight muscles, muscular imbalances, wrong footwear, and direct contact or sports related injury. In fact, most of us will experience one at some point during our lives. Plus it might be broken or require Physio or a brace. I'm worried that if I go to urgent care, they're just going to say "yup, it's injured. In the past, patients experiencing the flu or a cold, a sprain or even a bad headache would call their . You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. This is because athletes who show apprehension, fear, or anxiety are at a much higher risk of reinjury, and their athletic performance is also likely to suffer. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Our expert explains when its time to call the doctor. Should I take my child to urgent care for croup? Ideally, you would have the ankle examined by a specialized sprained ankle doctor, such as those from The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey, right away. I went to urgent care, the doctor looked at me and said, "you're pregnant, there's nothing I can do for you". Sprained Ankle Treatment. Should I go to the ER versus urgent care? It's just painful. Then the ER doc sends the patient hobbling away with an ankle brace and instructions to see an ankle specialist like an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist. Stay off the injured ankle to prevent more damage.IceApply a cold pack or ice bag (in a towel) for up to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and ease pain. Otherwise, it's likely okay to wait a couple days to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a CHKD sports medicine physician. Expert advice on when you can treat it at home. Depending on the degree of the ankle sprain, healing times may vary. I am, unfortunately, one of those people who feels guilty going to the dr/er/urgent care unless I feel like I'm on my death bed. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Emergency rooms can certainly get busy, especially in the summer months. Although you could heal within days from a simple sprain, even a moderate sprain can put pressure on your joint and make movement difficult. Patients with moderate (grade II or III) sprains usually need sustained support with an elastic wrap and an Aircast or similar splint. Ankle sprains are common injuries. Missed the soft pad with the right foot. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. I've done that before with my kneecap after a ski accident and almost needed surgery because I decided I was being dramatic. I feel like a walking accident at this point. Should I go to urgent care for shoulder pain? All Rights Reserved. All ankle sprains are not created equally. The unfortunate reality is that every single day, over 10,000 suspected sprained ankles show up in the ER. But about twenty minutes later it was hurting so bad that I couldn't put weight on it without wincing. Whats the Best Way to Support Your Ankles During Exercise? I don't want to waste time and resources. Urgent care and express care centers are walk-in facilities, which means that you don't need to make an appointment. 2. Now that you have a little more background on what a sprain is and the likelihood of It happening lets get into to our seven things you should know about sprains. I was told I can take up to 1 gram of paracetamol per day and ended up getting a type of walking shoe that keeps pressure off my toes. Express care centers provide care for relatively minor conditions, such as: Coughs and colds. I really recommend the ASO ankle brace but also caution not to wear it all the time, you don't want to decrease mobility of the joint.https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XP3YB6I/ref=zg_bs_5006362011_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=ZQ6WP9XX7WK1MXRXB8HN. Posted by thefinalgoat. 5. The right shoe depends on your childssport with its specific demands, along with your childs individual foot structure, such as arch height. Head to the ER or call 911 to have the following symptoms evaluated and treated: Shortness of breath Chest pain, left arm pain or left jaw pain Serious burns and cuts (cuts that won't stop bleeding or wounds that won't close) Seizures Severe allergic reaction (swelling lips, difficulty swallowing or breathing) How do I get my Task Manager back to normal?. 2. Definitely not broken, but very painful and swollen. Is the pain centered on the bone or softer tissue around the ankle? Dr. Barg: Usually, right after the injury, almost everybody who has ankle sprains cannot bear weight. This morning, I suddenly got some really bad lower back pain to the point where it's painful for me to stand up or walk. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. It also helps more blood circulate to the area, which may help the ankle heal faster. I really need a second opinion here. The problem is that delayed treatment often leads to delayed recovery. After the checkup, the doctor will suggest you the next step. Heat (e.g., heat packs or hot baths) may increase blood flow and make the swelling worse. Doc on the run. The choice to go to the emergency room is rather straightforward. I sprained it last year and it took months to heal. Instability in the ankle. Should I go to the ER and get it x-rayed? Broken bones, sprains, and strains are common at any time of year, of course, but there are plenty of activities during this time of year that can result in serious injury. Should I go to ER for ankle injury? Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. Using an athletic brace or crutches if advised. A doctor should see this promptly before it worsens. patient feels faint or loses consciousness If a bone break occurs in the ribs, spine/lumbar area, skull, pelvis, hips, or face, go to the ER for treatment. It depends on a number of factors, most notably the severity of your ankle sprain. Around one million ankle injuries occur each year in the U.S. about 85% of them are sprains. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He tries to figure out if he should head straight to the ER or call his family physician in Sausalito. Where do you go for a broken bone, sprain, or other orthopedic injuries? By the time he feels his ankle give way, his arms are already out-stretched to brace for the fall. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of your injury. Heres what to consider: Unless you know anatomy, its usually difficult to differentiate between a sprain, strain and fracture, Dr. Davis says. Rashes. We now advocate long-term protection of the ankle in the form of removable braces for all athletes returning to sport after a . While ankle sprains are common, they're not always minor enough to treat at home with ice, elevation, rest, and pain medications. When Should I Take My Child to the Pediatric ER? Have to contact Sedgwick about sprained ankle accommodations. In conclusion, it is necessary to visit urgent care for a sprained wrist if the injury is causing severe pain or significant limitations in movement. Your email address will not be published. 1. Treating a sprained ankle can prevent chronic ankle problems. Still, for those who are not as vigilant, if you suspect that your sprain severity is Grade 2 or Grade 3, you shouldn't hesitate to ask for professional help. Has Heel Pain Sidelined Your Child? These strength and balance exercises will help you post sprain as well. Where does it hurt when you sprain your ankle? Your email address will not be published. A sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries. Patients use crutches until they can walk with an average speed. You can reduce ice to reduce swelling and soreness. It's important to use time to track your own recovery. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for pain relief. That includes: Having good flexibility, balance and endurance. Anyone else cringe when they read bubs?. Does a sprained ankle get worse before it gets better? Our hours of operation during the weekdays are from 4 p.m.- midnight and from noon till midnight on weekends. Some of the signs and symptoms that would require evaluation include: Ankle sprains are diagnosed and graded based upon physical findings and functional loss from grade I grade III: A grade I sprain:The child or young adult will have mild swelling and tenderness without joint instability on examination, and the patient can bear weight and move about with minimal pain. Dr. Julia Rawlings explains how the University of Utah Orthopaedic Injury Clinic can treat most acute orthopedic injuries. Any ideas how it'll go? SO want me to get an abortion for good reasons, but I Press J to jump to the feed. Getting physical therapy. Ankle Injury Pain. Repeat four to eight times a day.CompressionWrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or compression wrap to help reduce swelling.ElevationKeep the ankle raised by resting it on a pillow or other elevated surface above heart level to reduce swelling and pain. Sprains may come with a popping noise or no sound at all. The only good that came of it was I got 2.5 weeks off work and it was declared as an accident for insurance purposes. Treatment should involve manipulating and stabilizing your ankle, removing any debris in your foot, applying ice packs or compression wraps as needed, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The doctor explains that there are several types of broken bones that often get missed and misdiagnosed in hospital emergency rooms. Financially stable and married - abortion post. When you sprain your ankle, it means you have stretched, and possibly even torn, the ligaments of your ankle. The foot and ankle should be in a neutral position while sitting or resting. Warming up before activity. Brushing off sand and eucalyptus leaves, he notices the ankle starting to swell. Ankles consist of three bones held together by ligaments (tough, stretchy tissue). You should seek emergency or urgent care if: You have a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit You have blood in your diarrhea or vomit You are having difficulty breathing or swallowing You are experiencing blurred vision or other neurological symptoms (e.g. If theres significant damage or risk of damage to thegrowth plate, surgery may be necessary.. because honestly what more could they do? You should also go to A&E if your ankle swells up very quickly, within 30 minutes of injuring it, or you are unable to walk on it for four steps (walking with a limp counts). It's best if you don't though, it'll take that much longer to heal. Weight-bearing and movement are painful. Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. Dr. Michael Gabor agrees. Active people need strong pain-free ankles. The nurse is going to give you an ankle brace. At Night Lite Pediatrics we can assess the need for X-Ray studies, perform the X-Ray and provide initial management of any associated fracture. If you're wearing a shoe, tie the shoe tighter until you can evaluate the depth of the injury. If you have an ankle sprain, you can skip the emergency room wait just by searching for a local ankle sprain expert. On Thursday I twisted my ankle pretty bad. Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury. Shoes always should be fit for sport by an experienced professional. When should you go to the ER for a sprained ankle? Grade 1 sprained ankle recovery time is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, normally closer to the two-week mark with proper treatment. The most common ankle injuries for children are: Figuring out whether an ankle is broken or sprained isnt always easy to tell. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. Ice: Using this method will help reduce inflammation by removing extra heat from the foot, which can occur after an accident. Strength Exercises for Sprained Ankles To avoid future sprains or twists, you should learn how to strengthen your ankles to where your balance is perfect. Tingling sensations and numbness in your feet - If tingles start up when standing or if you feel numbness in your feet, this may be a warning sign for diabetic neuropathy. And the constant use of certain muscles can cause painful strains. After a full half day of waiting he sees an emergency room doctor who says, your x-rays dont show a broken ankle, but it looks like you have a bad sprain. He realizes he just wasted over a thousand dollars and a week of his time with the ER visit. Your child needs to demonstrate psychological readiness to return to play. In addition, these fractures are often thought to be incorrectly diagnosed as just an ankle sprain. I also don't have any of my braces with me, as they were all lost or damaged when I moved. I went to the ER and there is no sign of a break or fracture. Staying hydrated. A place for pregnant redditors, those who have been pregnant, those who wish to be in the future, and anyone who supports them. If its on the bone, a break seems more likely. But they did do X-rays to make sure it wasn't worse than a sprain, which gave me peace of mind that I wasn't hobbling around on a broken foot making it worse. Mira's research indicates that imaging tests are among the most common diagnostic measures for sprained ankles. Examples of when emergent care is needed and 911 should be called immediately if you or a loved one is: . The sooner a patient is seen by a board-certified emergency room physician and the extent of the fracture is determined, the slighter the possibility is of the injury worsening. Call your doctor or visit Emerald Coast Urgent . Progression of the rehab exercises are beyond the scope of this blog but should be gradually advanced to include strength, balance and activity-specific training with progress from walk-jog, to jog-run, to run, to run with the change of direction. Only go if you you really want to be sure it's not broken, that way they can complete an x-ray. Athletes at are at their highest risk between 10 and 19 years old. Its more important for parents to know how urgently an injury needs physician attention, if at all.. While an emergency room may be the best place for someone with a heart attack, it isn't the best place to get treatment for a sprained ankle. If the ankle looks crooked or otherwise out of line, odds are its broken. First, treat the injury at home with the RICE method: Rest Just as it sounds. I also used crutches for about 2 weeks. You should see an ankle expert if it doesnt get better soon.. While a rolled ankle may not be the sort of emergency that emergency rooms were designed for, an ankle sprain is an emergency to a runner. O is the President and Founder of Central Florida Pediatrics Intensive Care Specialists and Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care. Why You Shouldnt Pick Up or Swing a Child By the Arms. Sprained Ankle Symptoms Should I go to ER for sprained ankle? This may include wearing a brace, taping and/or wrapping the wrist, and exercise to strengthen the muscles and ligaments that may have been weakened by the sprain. Earlier I somehow managed to (I believe) sprain my ankle by stepping wrong while on my porch. I would definitely wait a couple hours. Here's why. During the summer months the chances of getting a sprained ankle are even more common, so we wanted to share with you seven facts to keep in mind this summer if your little one happens to get a sprained ankle. But with one slight misstep, his foot lands in a hole and his ankle rolls out from under him. Regardless of age, those with diabetes, a heart condition, or other underlying medical issues should go to the ER, where lab tests and advanced imaging equipment are available for diagnosis and treatment. Emergency departments are set up to treat the most severe symptoms. No fracture tho! The best way to help your child avoid ankle injury is with proper physical conditioning for the sport. Sprained Ankles. You should call 911 or go to the emergency room for more complex or critical medical needs, such as a head injury or a potential stroke. Should I Go to The Emergency Room For Knee Pain? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to help with pain and swelling. It is brought about by increased fluid in the tissue. Avoid bearing weight by walking or standing on it. One study conducted at the University of Utah showed that certain x-ray finding suggest lateral process fractures of the ankle are more than ten times more common than once thought. Ankle sprain A Sprained ankle has occurred so the ligament can only be done however these are the other type of ground. When it first happened, it wasn't too bad. You could have broken a bone in your toe, sprained ligaments around it, or even suffered arthritis while walking. For some patients with a Grade III ankle sprain, bearing weight and walking on the ankle may simply be too painful. Your child comes home from a game, practice or the playground and is limping and complaining about ankle pain. If you have a question about an ankle sprain, you can reach him directly at 415-308-0833. He has won multiple awards from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association for his research on foot and ankle injuries. Ankle sprains commonly happen in sports that require quickly changing directions and jumping such as basketball, soccer, football, tennis, and volleyball. In the meantime, you can address the pain by icing and elevating the ankle. Read More. How do you tell if your ankle is sprained or just rolled? I live in the US and I'm in between jobs, so I really don't want to be in medical debt. . This can range from a torn tendon, ruptured and now insufficient ankle ligament, or carti. Thats an indicator of a possible break. Would yall suggest getting it checked out or just toughing it out at home? Muscle strains. If you sprained your ankle, you should see a true ankle specialist today. Soccer or basketball, or even just jumping off a moving swing at the playground, can cause an ankle sprain or fracture. Theres a change in your childs skin color (the ankle or foot is turning blue). When should I get a sprained ankle checked out? Heprovides same-day house calls in San Francisco, Marin and the East Bay. What happens if you leave a sprained ankle untreated? Get some resistance band (s) so that you can strengthen it. They need to find the best ankle sprain treatment in order to get rid of the swelling and get back to running pain free. People with a more severe ankle sprain characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury should seek medical attention, Drs. At this time, the walk-in clinic is requiring patients to schedule an appointment for treatment. Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. I'm actually still awake right now because it's radiating through my foot and up my shin. A good ankle brace should allow the foot to move up and down while providing strong support against sideways motions. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. What is a Custom Orthotic? If the pain seems to be worsening, signs point to a sprain. Dr. O was the Medical Director of Childrens Medical Services in the Central Florida Region (Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Brevard Counties) from 2004 2019; and the Medical Director of Leesburg Regional Hospital Pediatric Hospitalist Program. When should you go to the ER for a sprained ankle? The best way to help your child avoid ankle injury is with proper physical conditioning for the sport. Take your child to a running shoe store where professionals can help with fitting.. You can go to your doctor for the subsequent treatment. Swelling that occur this quickly is usually indicative of an injury to the cartilage or bone inside the ankle joint and it is good to have it investigated further. However, a sprain or any injury that keeps you from walking, bending, or extending your knee due to pain could be the reason for you to visit an emergency room right away. A sprained ankle is similar to a twisted ankle but to a greater degree. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious . If swelling persists, see your doctor. RSV vs Flu: 7 Things Every Parent Should Know, 7 Things You Should Know About Ankle Sprains in Children, The Truth About Ear Infections: 6 Common Myths Every Parent Should Know, Urgent Care vs Emergency Room in Orlando, FL, What You Need to Know About the Corona Virus (COVID-19). However, an injury to the inside of the ankle can indicate a far more worrisome injury. But I'm also afraid that I'll ignore it when it actually turns out to be worse than I think. Patients use crutches until they can . Required fields are marked *. Sprained ankle. 7 Questions on Severs Disease, Answered, What You Should Know About Growth Plate Injuries. My big fear is exactly like you said, I want to make sure I'm not walking around on an actual break and end up with both a bad knee and a bad foot on the same leg. Hope this helps and good luck! How long does a rolled ankle take to heal? Thank. Earaches. And they were pretty Adamant that I should've gone to the ER to have it X-rayed. There are three grades of ankle sprains. Massaging this may potentially promote blood flow and make the swelling worse. With more severe ankle sprains, the healing time can take six to eight weeks for a full recovery. When I sprained my ankle really badly the hospital gave me a nice brace for it, and some pain killers but that's about it. Rushing down the Dipsea Trail, fog trailing lightly through the redwoods, Craig is out for his favorite run. This injury can occur while taking part in sports or simply by stepping on an uneven surface. Pink eye. I have sprained my ankles alot playing indoor soccer over the years so if it were me, I'd probably RICE rest, ice, compression, elevate, until symptoms like swelling and bruising go away. Questions and Answers 1. The child or young adult will have severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Choose the location where you would like to get vaccinated. . You may also feel pain when you move your ankle or when you put weight on it. All rights resvered. Yes, if you absolutely have to, you can walk on a sprained ankle. Here are signs of a mild sprained ankle: Your ankle is tender to the touch. Yes, it can be sprained even if it's not swollen. Here at Night Lite Pediatrics, we have on-site x-ray and convenient hours which makes it easy to have these injuries evaluated promptly. People with grade one sprains should be able to walk in less time than people with grade two or three sprains. ", "How long does a twisted ankle take to heal?". Male, 23, in shape, no health problems. SF Running Podiatrist Explains . You and your child should treat an ankle sprain, but especially the first one, seriously. Sprains are stretching, partial rupture, or complete rupture of at least one ligament. Can you walk on a sprained ankle? Its estimated that two million ankle sprains occur across the country every year almost half taking place during sports-related activities. Throbbing pain begins to build into a creshendo. I suggest getting it checked, just to be safe. A sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries. Should I go to ER for sprained ankle? A slight knee sprain is painful, but might not require a trip to the emergency room. Now available by appointment in selected locations. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Visiting the doctor can help you know how to navigate your sprained ankle recovery. Despite the name, urgent care centers treat less critical ailments, such as a sprained ankle or a fever. Keep me updated with news and knowledge from Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care. When I sprained my ankle I eventually went to a Dr to have them look at it. You can schedule a doctor's appointment if: you are experiencing pain and swelling on your ankle but you are able to walk without feeling unbearable pain, If there is pain walking on it immediately, Your child's physician should be called any time a joint injury fails to heal or swelling recurs. Ice your ankle. If you also can't put any weight onto the injured area, you should forego the urgent care clinic and head to an ER. What happens if I end all processes in Task Manager? So sick of people not moving out of my way!!! Your ankle should be at an equal level with your heart. Every injury's different. A grade II sprain:is a more severe injury involving an incomplete tear of a ligament. A slightly longer answer is: It depends to a large extent on whether your ankle is broken or you have ruptured a tendon. They need to make sure you don't have a fracture in there somewhere. One study conducted at the University of Utah showed that certain x-ray finding suggest lateral process fractures of the ankle are more than ten times more common than once thought. You have ankle stiffness that is worse in the morning. Copyright 2015. But I have a messed up ankle. Stretching keeps the muscles strong and limber. Won't I have to wait a long time in an ER? And if you sprained the same ankle in the past, or you suffer a severe sprain, seeking prompt medical care may help prevent chronic ankle problems. The fluid in the joint can be reduced by elevating the ankle. Score: 5/5 (55 votes) . This can help with swelling and reduce pain. It is estimated that fracture of the ankle or midfoot occurs in less than 15% of patients presenting to an ER with an acute ankle sprain. For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. Not all athletic shoes are the same, Dr. Davis says. Go to the emergency room if: there is immediate bruising on the foot, significant deformity, or you are unable to walk or put any pressure on the affected ankle as it could be a fracture or broken bone. If your ankle is swollen, bruised and painful after you twist it, then you have most likely sprained it. One medical professional who can help you determine if you should walk on a sprained ankle yet is a physical therapist. Make sure your child follows any activity restrictions and stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent reinjury. If you have a sprained ankle, it is important to rest and ice the area. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage. As long as you will need to see a specialist anyway, why not see the best ankle doc to begin with! The true ankle experts are orthopedists and podiatrists. A sprained ankle can be very painful and make it difficult to walk. If the pain is not severe, there is a full range of ankle motion, normal strength, sensation and no misalignment, there is no reason to rush to a doctor, Dr. Davis says. The most common symptoms are swelling and bruising. These injuries are not frequently seen in the office as they typically resolve without intervention. A week later his ankle is still swollen, the foot and toes are black and blue and he can still hardly walk, let alone run. Without the proper care, his ankle would just continue to ache. There is no emergency in your case, so that you can visit as per your convenient timings. Only go if you you really want to be sure it's not broken, that way they can complete an x-ray. Express care center. This article will help you to figure out whether you should go to the emergency room or not. Patients with mild (grade I) ankle sprains do not require immobilization. But my pain and swelling is increasing today. Getting enough rest. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XP3YB6I/ref=zg_bs_5006362011_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=ZQ6WP9XX7WK1MXRXB8HN. If symptoms get worse, then call your doctor, Dr. Davis says. Go to the emergency room if: there is immediate bruising on the foot, significant deformity, or you are unable to walk or put any pressure on the affected ankle as it could be a fracture or broken bone. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. Takedown request . Sports, hiking, swimming, and even . Most ankle sprains cause an injury to the outside portion of the ankle. You may need crutches for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the sprain. Can urgent care do anything for a sprain? I would because with out nsaids it can be hard to stay on top of the swelling and therefore pain. Recovery begins with exercises for mobility such as Achilles tendon stretch, foot circles, and alphabet. Today there are sports medicine doctors and ankle sprain experts who reserve spots in there schedules for ankle sprains every day. A common misconception among parents is that an ankle sprain is a mild injury that will heal on its own. Please dont take that approach if your young athlete injures an ankle. Early treatment includes RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method for the first two to three days. A grade 1 sprained ankle can be treated almost entirely at home. Compress (wrap) the ankle lightly -- not tightly -- with . So it might be a good idea to go. The fact that most sprains occur when your primary physicians office is closed makes Night Lite a cost and time efficient place to access initial evaluation and treatment for your child or young adult. I would probably go in if it were me, just to make sure it isn't a small fracture or anything that could get worse with lack of treatment. Usually, those patients have some substantial pain relief within four to six hours after the injury, especially if they do elevate the foot, if you do the cooling of the injured ankle. . Dr. Ayodeji Otegbeye, better known as Dr. If you think your child has an ankle sprain, its always best to have an examination by a physician. Whats the Best Fix for Your Childs Broken Bone? I toughed out a "sprained ankle" for a month before I just couldn't take it anymore and got it checked out. Swelling from the acute inflammatory response (which is a part of the normal healing process) may contribute to stiffness around the ankle joint. Initially, walking should be aided by a support system like a cane or crutches. To make matters worse, he gets a bill for almost$1,500 for the ankle x-rays and emergency room visit. Initial management goals are to limit inflammation and swelling and to maintain range of motion. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. It needs to be treated. The initial treatment of all Grade II and III ankle sprains now calls for strict immobilization for seven to 10 days before allowing any motion across the ankle joint. When you sprain your ankle, it means you have stretched, and possibly even torn, the ligaments of your ankle. When I sprained my ankle, this is what I did. Could something be sprained, strained or even worse broken? A broken ankle typically comes with immediate pain before growing numb or tingly. While an emergency room may be the best place for someone with a heart attack, it isnt the best place to get treatment for a sprained ankle. A sprained ankle, for example, will not recover in motion. Time Will Tell. How long should you immobilize a sprained ankle? Sprains usually bring an Ow! factor to the meatier areas. And you should definitely go to urgent care if you're experiencing pain, especially if it hurts to walk and/or move your feet. In addition, you can save a small fortune by avoiding the emergency room bill. The short answer is: If you think you need to go to A&E, you probably should. Not only will you get the most thorough evaluation, you can also skip the 6 hour ER waiting time. Wear the splint for a couple of weeks if you are young or it is a mild. I broke my toe a week and a half ago. After a sprain occurs, it needs time to heal before weight-bearing. A physical exam by an orthopedic physician will better be able to determine your appropriate course of treatment. You should also keep your ankle elevated to help reduce the swelling. They are less costly than a hospital emergency room visit, and you . How can I tell if my ankle is broken or just sprained? Can limp on it with moderate pain. 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