Ankle Injuries: When Home Care Isn’t Enough

What do playing with your children in the backyard, running your favorite route through the park, and stepping off a curb have in common? They’re three of the countless everyday activities that can lead to ankle injuries. These common injuries can pause your active life, but the good news is that many ankle injuries heal with home care.

Sometimes, however, ankle injuries need help from a medical provider. Determining when that’s the case can be tricky—it often hinges on whether the ankle is sprained (and how badly) or fractured.

How to spot an ankle sprain

An ankle sprain is when ligaments—the tissues that connect bones and support the joint—stretch or tear. If you sprain your ankle, you may have difficulty putting weight on it. A sprained ankle may also be:

• Bruised
• Painful to the touch
• Swollen

Not all ankle sprains are the same. They occur on a spectrum of severity. For a mild sprain, home care using the RICE method may be all you need. You can:

• Rest your ankle by staying off of it as much as possible.
• Ice your ankle for at least 20 minutes up to four times each day.
• Wear a compression sock or wrap to keep your ankle from moving.
• Elevate your ankle above your heart when resting.

You can also take an over-the-counter, pain-relieving medication to help with discomfort. If your symptoms don’t improve after several days of home care, see your primary care provider, who may refer you to an orthopedist.

If your ankle injury seems severe—clues include significant swelling and bruising, as well as intense pain when standing or walking—seek medical help right away. You might have a severe sprain or a more serious injury such as an ankle fracture.

What does an ankle fracture feel like?

The symptoms of an ankle fracture (broken bone) may be similar to those of a sprained ankle. Certain differences, however, can give a fracture away. Compared with a sprain, a fracture may cause:

• Blisters on the ankle
• Inability to walk
• More severe swelling and bruising
• Pain from foot to knee

If you suspect a fracture, especially if a bone protrudes through the skin, go to the nearest emergency department right away. A medical professional can determine whether you have a sprain or a fracture and recommend the best course of treatment. For a mild fracture, treatment may include the RICE method, pain medication and temporarily immobilizing your ankle in a cast or splint. A severe fracture may need surgery to repair the injury.

Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists? To request an appointment with a Riverview Health physician, call 317.565.0505.

Sources: foothealthfacts.org, medlineplus.gov, orthoinfo.aaos.org