Symptoms

With most ankle sprains, you feel pain right away at the site of the tear. Often the ankle starts to swell right away and may develop bruising. The ankle area is usually tender to touch, and it hurts to move it.

In more severe sprains, you may hear or feel something tear, along with a pop or snap. You will probably have extreme pain at first and won't be able to walk or even put weight on your foot. Usually, the more pain and swelling you have, the more severe your ankle sprain is and the longer it will take to heal.

When to Call a Doctor

Contact your doctor now or seek medical care if:

• Your ankle looks different than normal.
• Your pain is getting worse.
• Your swelling is getting worse.
• You are unable to put weight on your foot.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you are not getting better after 1 week.

If your pain is mild and you are able to put some weight on your foot, you can treat your sprain at home. Early treatment followed by rehabilitation exercises can help your ankle heal properly.

Exams and Tests

Your doctor will ask you how the injury occurred and if you have hurt your ankle before. The doctor will check your foot and ankle, your lower leg, and even your knee to see if you are hurt anywhere else. The doctor may ask you to move your foot up and down and to take a few steps if you can.

In some cases, the doctor may order X-rays to be sure there isn't a broken bone in the ankle or the foot. Children often have X-rays so the doctor can check for any damage to the bone's growth plate.

Treatment Overview

Treatment for an ankle sprain depends on how severe the injury is and whether the ankle is stable.

At first, treatment usually includes home care. This includes rest, ice, and keeping the ankle raised to help reduce pain and swelling. You might also take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Temporary support such as a brace, splint, or crutches may be used. It can help protect the ankle while it heals. And it can help limit movement.

Rehab exercises are often recommended. They can help with strength, flexibility, and movement. They also can help you return to your normal activities. These exercises may also help lower the chance of another sprain.

Most ankle sprains heal without surgery with proper at-home care and time. Surgery is rarely needed. But it may be recommended for more serious injuries, repeated sprains, or ongoing ankle instability after other treatment. In some cases, it may also be an option if there is some other injury, such as a broken bone.

Recovery time varies depending on how severe the sprain is. Healing can take longer with more serious sprains, especially if ligaments are more severely stretched or torn. Follow-up care with a doctor may be recommended. The doctor can check healing progress and adjust your treatment or your activity level, if needed.

Self-Care

To care for yourself when you have an ankle sprain, use the RICE approach.

• Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain. You may need crutches until you can walk without discomfort.
• Ice. Put ice or a cold pack on your ankle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Compression. Follow your doctor's directions for wearing a splint or bandage. Wrapping the area may help reduce or prevent swelling.
• Elevation. Prop up the sore area on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.

If needed, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

If your doctor or physical therapist gave you ankle exercises to do at home, do them exactly as instructed. These exercises can help your ankle heal. And they may help prevent future injury.

Physical Rehabilitation

In the case of a minor sprain, rehabilitation (rehab) exercises begin soon after the injury with walking. You can try wearing hiking boots or other high-top, lace-up shoes for support. But don't force your foot into a boot if it hurts or causes discomfort.

Stretch daily, especially before and after physical activities to prevent reinjury. Even after your ankle feels better, do rehab exercises several times a week to keep it strong.

The timing and type of rehab exercises may vary according to your doctor's or physical therapist's preferences. You'll probably do the following types of exercise.

• Range-of-motion exercises. These help you move the joint as far as you can in every direction that it moves.
• Stretching exercises. They help keep your Achilles tendon (heel cord) flexible while your ankle heals.
• Strengthening exercises. These strengthen the muscles so they help support your ankle.
• Balance and control exercises. They help your foot and ankle respond to activities. This can help prevent reinjury.