Ankle sprains happen fast and some are so painful that one is sure they’ve broken a bone. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a doctor check out the injury to rule out a fracture and prescribe the best treatment. People who’ve experienced a mildly sprained ankle in Joliet should expect their doctor to prescribe the following treatments.
Rest
The top remedy for treating a sprained ankle is rest. The ankle can’t recover if it’s constantly in use. Walking off the pain isn’t the answer when healing from a sprain. Avoid bearing weight on the ankle and use crutches or a boot if necessary.
Ice
Sprains often swell. In fact, they can swell so much that, again, people assume they have a broken ankle. To get the swelling under control, ice the ankle for 20 minutes several times a day. Avoid icing for more than 20 minutes to prevent frostbite.
Compression
Compression works in tandem with icing. Use a wrap around the ankle, creating gentle compression to reduce swelling and keep the ankle immobilized.
Elevate
Keep the foot elevated to speed up recovery. The proper height for an ankle injury is above the waist or heart. Follow the doctor’s advice for the best positioning.
Some ankle sprains are more severe than others and take more time to heal. In some cases, the doctor might recommend a cast for 2-3 weeks if the sprain was really bad. People experiencing a sprained ankle in Joliet should reach out to local doctors for a thorough examination and diagnosis. To schedule an appointment, visit the website of Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates today.
