When to see a doctor for an ankle injury is largely dependent on your symptoms and pain tolerance. With that said, given the importance, your ankle plays in bearing your body’s weight and allowing you to walk, exercise, and participate in recreational activities you don’t want to avoid seeing a doctor if experiencing symptoms like severe swelling or inability to walk. At Capital Foot and Ankle in Austin TX, Drs. Trinity Mereau and Steven Walters are ready to properly diagnose your ankle injury and provide treatment options that have you on the path towards recovery.
Home Care Treatment for Ankle Sprains
Immediately following an ankle injury, you’ll want to follow the “PRICE” model outlined below:
P: “Protect” the ankle from further damage by using a brace or bandage.
R: “Rest” the ankle by avoiding weight-bearing activity.
I: “Ice” should be applied to the ankle for between 15 and 20 minutes every couple of hours. Avoid heat and supplement ice with ibuprofen to lessen pain and swelling.
C: “Compression” should be applied as directed by a medical professional.
E: “Elevation”. Elevate the ankle above the heart when possible to reduce swelling and inflammation.
If after a few days your ankle is still not improving or the condition is worsening, it is time to seek help from a doctor. At Capital Foot and Ankle, Drs. Mereau and Walters employ state-of-the-art techniques and sound medical practices to properly diagnose your injury.
When to Call a Doctor
Call an ankle doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or swelling worsens instead of improves
- Foot or ankle becomes numb or cold to touch
- Pain is not dissipating as anticipated
If you’ve suffered an ankle sprain, don’t take it lightly because an injury can become worse quickly and even cause permanent damage if left untreated. After being diagnosed by Drs. Mereau or Walters, you’ll be given a treatment plan that outlines what precautions you should take to not further injure the ankle along with information on how to ensure your ankle improves through physical therapy or possible surgery.
If you’ve suffered an ankle sprain, don’t wait and give Capital Foot and Ankle in Austin, TX a call at 512-474-6666 to schedule an appointment.