I stepped on my foot the wrong way and twisted my ankle and its swollen. Is that a big deal?

Question

Will it just go away or do i have to go to doctor?

Answer 1

If you can walk on your ankle and the swelling is not too severe, chances are you have a Grade I sprain. In that case, your ligaments are merely stretched, and you can generally heal without a doctor's care. If there is significant swelling and bruising, and you have considerable difficulty walking, then you would most likely have a Grade II sprain, in which your ankle ligaments are partially torn. It would then be best to go to a doctor. More information on the different grades of sprains can be found at http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/anklesprain.htm, as well as on many other sites if you search "Ankle Sprain" on Google.

Ankle sprains heal eventually, but they will do so more quickly and more completely if you follow RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Icing your ankle for 20 minutes at a time (be sure to keep a thin towel or something between your skin and the ice), wrapping it snugly for support, and elevating the ankle above your heart will all help relieve the pain and swelling. Although light walking is probably beneficial, don't force the issue.

In short, you should take care to follow the self-care steps and watch out for signs of a more serious sprain than you first realized, because ankles are weaker after sprains, and poor treatment can make you susceptible to injuries in the future. It would probably be good if you invested in a light elastic brace/support for your first few weeks of activity following the injury as well.

Answer 2

I badly sprained my ankle about 3 weeks ago. I was in a hurry going down the stairs, lost my balance and landed on a bad side of my left foot, causing my left ankle to be stretched going on the inside. The first 48 hours were excruciating and the pain was un-believable. I've never had a serious ankle injury before.

So I immediately treated it using the RICE method. The following day, the bruising and swelling were so horrible. I found out that I got a second degree sprain and immediately panicked after that. I had a football game on that week and it been looking forward to it because I've been training for rt. I had teammates that had similar injuries and it took them months to fully recover, some of them stopped playing altogether. So I kinda had a short-term depression because I can't imagine myself not being able to run and play sports anymore.

Because I was so desperate to recover again, I contacted a lot of people that I know who do sports and asked them if they had similar injuries. One friend of mine, from the boy's football team in my university, told me about H.E.M. Ankle Rehab. I got a copy 4 days after I got injured. I immediately read and followed what was instructed and felt improvement on the first day. I was able to walk a bit, but I was in pain.

A couple of days after that, the swelling and bruising were subsid-ing significantly and on the fourth day, I was walking comfortably again. Although I've had felt a bit of stiffness, I continued doing what was instructed. My sister was surprised that I have recovered this fast. I told her about this book and was shocked on how effective the procedures were. I'm just so happy that this book was shared to me and how effective it is.

Heal your ankle fully & fast?

Answer 3

You should go to the podiatrist so it can be treated. Once you are sure it isn't broken you want it to be placed in a position that gives your ligaments the best position to heal in. Once a ligament heals in a poor position, you set yourself up for lateral ankle instability and possible long-term problems.

Answer 4

If you just twisted it, itll most likely go away on its own. Give it a week or so, if its still swollen, then go to the doc.

Answer 5

You should elevate it, use ice pack, and then wrap with an ace bandage..This should help. However, if in lots of pain, consult your Dr., some pain relievers will definitely be of comfort!

Answer 6

when i sprained my ankle and went to the hospital cos of the pain and swelling. i was told to walk on it the best i can. exercise was the best medicine.

Answer 7

if the swelling does not go away in a couple of days,go to your doctor

Answer 8

depends if there is bruising around the sprain. strap it up tıghtly and it should ok in a few days.

Answer 9

you should go to A&E and have it xrayed as you could have broken a small bone,it definately wants checking out,so please go as you could do more damage if it's not checked out,hope this of help Kathy

Answer 10

it's not a problem do the same to the other one