Should You See A Doctor if You've Sprained Your Ankle

Disclaimer: Always consult a health care professional.

Sprained ankles are one of the most common sports injuries, and they can also be extremely painful. Although the vast majority of those who suffer from a sprained ankle never seek medical treatment, this is not always advised. Some sprains can become severe and warrant a trip to the doctor. When an ankle sprain is severe, surgery may be required.

Ankle Sprains Can Affect People of All Ages

Ankle sprains vary in their severity. While some people may be able to continue to walk with a minor sprain, others become immobilized. When the pain and swelling are severe, individuals may need help finding a physical therapist.

According to UCLA Health, around two million people suffer from ankle sprains each year. Sprains can happen at any age but are more likely to occur when someone participates in sports.

What Causes Ankle Sprains?

Ankle sprain injuries can have various causes. Sprains occur when the ankle is forcefully moved out of its natural position. This movement can cause one or more of the ankle’s supportive ligaments to become overly stretched, partially torn, or fully torn. The following are some of the common reasons for ankle sprains.

Falls that involve the ankle twisting
Landing poorly on the foot after a jump
Walking or running on uneven surfaces
Someone stepping or landing on another person’s foot

Do Not Ignore the Damage

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make with a sprained ankle is ignoring the pain. While it may be tempting to take a “walk it off” approach, this could lead to further damage.

If there is pronounced swelling and pain, ice and rest are the best treatments. For a bad ankle sprain, it is important to avoid impact to the foot for at least four to six weeks to allow time for all the supporting tissues of the ankle to heal.

How to Know If the Damage Is Severe

It is important to know when a sprain is severe and needs immediate medical attention. A severe ankle sprain can cause the following symptoms.

Severe swelling
Pronounced bruising
Inability to put weight on the foot
Restricted range of motion
Ankle instability
Popping noise at the time of injury

Those who notice any of the above symptoms need to seek medical care right away. Ignoring the signs of a severe ankle sprain could lead to serious complications. In some instances, a person may think they only have a sprain when there is really a more serious injury, such as a broken bone or a torn ligament or tendon.

How Are Severe Sprains Treated?

Even severe sprains may not require surgical treatment as long as there are no tears or broken bones. In these cases, individuals will typically need to stay off their sprained foot and use crutches to remain mobile.

As healing begins to take place, physical therapy can help a person regain their range of motion. Physical therapy will help individuals to get mobile again while strengthening the supportive muscle tissues in their ankle and foot so re-injury is less likely.

Conclusion

Dealing with the aftermath of a serious ankle sprain can be difficult, especially when the pain never seems to end. It is important to watch for the signs of a severe injury so the right treatment can be sought immediately. With proper treatment, ankle sprains will typically heal in four to six weeks.