How to Tell if You Need More Than RICE for an Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries. It’s easy to miss a step down from a curb. If you’re out for a run, you could twist your ankle on uneven ground. 

Of course, sprained ankles are a frequent sports injury. Any time you’re moving fast, pivoting and twisting your feet, you’re at risk of losing your balance and ending up with an ankle sprain. 

A sprained ankle keeps you out of the game and off the court — but for how long? We’re here at Delta Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to help you safely answer that question.

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and professional medical staff take X-rays to determine if you have a fracture or a sprain, evaluate your ability to bear weight on your ankle, and check the extent of your movement. We develop a treatment plan to bring your ankle back to full health and function. 

It’s important to take weight off of your ankle right away when you have a sprain. Following is treatment you should use at home while you determine whether to call the doctor. 

Use the RICE method at home 

You’re likely familiar with the RICE protocol for an orthopedic injury. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. 

When you sprain your ankle, you must rest it so it can heal. Trying to walk on a sprained ankle can further damage soft tissue, lengthening your recovery period. 

Icing the area off and on during the day helps calm inflammation and reduce swelling. Wrapping your ankle in a compression bandage also helps control swelling. Elevating your ankle above your heart helps drain excess fluid from the injury, easing pain and swelling. 

How to tell if you need medical treatment for an ankle sprain 

You’re likely wondering whether you should call the doctor for your ankle sprain. If you have any of the following signs, call our office for an appointment. Your ankle sprain needs medical treatment. 

You can’t bear weight on your ankle

If trying to put any weight on your foot causes extreme pain, call our office right away. We need to evaluate your ankle to determine the extent of the damage. 

Your ankle looks deformed

Does your ankle tilt at an odd angle? If it looks deformed, you likely have a fracture that needs medical treatment. 

No improvement in several days

If your symptoms aren’t improving after a few days, your injury could be more than a minor sprain. You could have a fracture and other soft tissue damage. 

Continued pain and swelling that don’t subside

If your pain and swelling don’t ease within a few days, you have more than a minor sprain. You could cause further damage to your ankle by forgoing medical attention. 

Numbness or tingling 

If you experience numbness or tingling in your foot or toes, you may have nerve damage and need to see a doctor. 

Failing to get the appropriate medical treatment for an ankle sprain can lead to chronic pain and instability. If you hurt your ankle or have another musculoskeletal concern, don’t hesitate to call Delta Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in West Memphis, Arkansas, or Collierville, Tennessee. You can also book an appointment online.