So yesterday I Hurt my foot and was wondering?

Question

if i can skip seeing doctor... itsp swollen quite a bit, and none of my sneaks will fit it....do i ice it for like 10 minutes and then leave it for 2o and repeat? i have it wrapped already.,.i think its just sprained...ive broken same foot befoe... also have no insurance...thanks for reading

Answer 1

Maureen,
The general rule of thumb is RICE . . . no not the food.

R-rest
I--ice for the first 48 hours for 10-20 minutes /hour.
C-Compression. Wrap with an elastic bandage.
E- Elevation- raise your foot up so gravity doesn't pull extra fluid into the ankle.

And take an Non steroidal anti inflammatory like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. . . .not ALL of them, one of them.

Each of these is to encourage the ankle/foot to heal by reducing inflammation, and fluid buildup in the damaged tissues. Take the anti-inflammatory even if you are not in pain; it's for the inflammation. Keep it wrapped except when you're taking a bath/shower or if it's really bothering you when you're trying to sleep. Don't let it hang down or get up on it, even to go to the bathroom without wrapping it. After 48 hours, keep putting ice on several times a day, but also add warm compresses 3-4 times a day to help increase the circulation, which will help get rid of the bruising and aid in getting it to heal.

Oh, about the sneaks, isn't that what flip-flops are for?

Good luck, Maureen. I hope it heals well. If you're not better within a week, consider if it's making progress or not. You may need an x-ray.

Answer 2

Injury to a ligament is called a SPRAIN.
Injury to a muscle is called a STRAIN.

In either case, the very first thing you should do is:

R.I.C.E.

REST-Stop all activities which cause pain to the injured area.

ICE-Apply icing to the area several times a day, but never for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Protect the skin from cryoburn..

COMPRESSION-Wrap the injured area to reduce swelling.

ELEVATION: Keep the sprained area as close to the level of the heart as is conveniently possible.

The Ice and Compression (Cold compression therapy} will stop the pain and swelling while the injury starts to heal itself. Controlling the swelling and inflammation is critical to the healing process and the icing further restricts fluid leaking into the injured area as well as controlling pain.

Elevation is best achieved by raising the foot to about waist level to keep gravity from allowing the fluid (serum) to pool in the foot. Ice and compression also help prevent this.

The extreme pain and stiffness is worse the first 2 days, then it should gradually subside. Stopping the swelling (inflammation) is key to a quicker recovery.

If R.I.C.E is followed and there is not gradual improvement by the third day, or pain increases, or you cannot put any weight on it, see an orthopedic MD to rule out fracture or complete separation of the tendon or muscle.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Go with the ice and rest, I would say. Wrap it when you walk. If it doesn't get better within a couple of weeks, see a doctor

Answer 4

i also sprained me ankle the other day, if you can put try to keep it moving and put a bit of weight back on it, it helps reduse swelling and it will heal quicker, if you experience and sharp pains or stinging then it might be broken. you'll jst have to be patient about the swelling, it will go in time. remember its there to help you. best of luck

Answer 5

Everybody's body is different! My first tattoo is the size of my palm and it was sore for the first 3 weeks. My second tattoo is the size of two quarters and I was able to sleep on it the first night because it didn't bother me at all. The pain is part of the experience!

Answer 6

I wish I could help you