I mildly sprained my ankle and I've been icing it, but...?

Question

It's still not getting any better. I haven't been completely off it because my motto in this situation is if you don't absolutely need crutches to walk, don't use them. What should I do??

Answer 1

After you rested, iced it for a couple of days, elevated the ankle, and taken NSAIDS- advil, motrin, etc. and still unable to bear weight on the foot, I recommend getting seen by a physician for x-rays.
Unable to bear weight after an ankle sprain is an indication for x-rays to rule-out fracture.

Answer 2

I think in this case your motto is getting in the way of you healing your ankle. At the very least, you should give the ankle as much rest as you can so the tears to the muscles heal. Anything you do that causes pain in the ankle is also keeping the tears from healing.

The following is a general rule for sprains and strains. Also, don't forget cold compression therapy for pain and swelling.

Strains are injuries that affect muscles or tendons, thick bands that attach muscles to bones. They occur in response to a quick tear, twist, or pull of the muscle. Strains are an acute type of injury that results from overstretching or over contraction. Pain, weakness, and muscle spasms are common symptoms experienced after a strain occurs.

Sprains are injuries that affect ligaments, thick bands of cartilage that attach bone to bone. They occur in response to a stretch or tear of a ligament. Sprains are an acute type of injury that results from trauma such as a fall or outside force that displaces the surrounding joint from its normal alignment. Sprains can range from a mild ligamentous stretch to a complete tear. Bruising, swelling, instability, and painful movement are common symptoms experienced after a sprain occurs.

RICE is the acronym used for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is used as the best initial treatment of soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions. The combination of RICE helps reduce inflammation that occurs after acute injury. It is important to remember that the earlier this treatment is put into place, the more effective it is.

Rest: Rest and protect the injured area. If it hurts to bear weight on the injury, use crutches, or a cane.

Ice: Apply ice to the injury. The cold will reduce swelling and pain at the injured site. This step should be done as soon as possible. Apply the frozen object to the area for 20 minutes three times a day for the first 48 hours.

Compression: Compress the injured site. This will decrease swelling of the injured region. Although the wrap should be snug, make sure it is not too tight as this can cause numbness, tingling, or increased pain.

Elevation: Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart as much as possible. This technique will also assist in reducing the amount of swelling to the injured site.

Once the pain and swelling are eliminated, you should start gradual range of motion exercises but not to the point of pain. Each day your range of motion will increase slightly. Continue until you have complete range of motion. Than start gentle strengthening exercises to re-build the strength in the ankle.

The stiffness will go away over time.

Good Luck

Answer 3

*Stay off of it as much as possible.
*Check the nailbed of your toes. If they are blue or anything but a
healthy pinkish color, consult a doctor regarding circulation
issues. (This should be done for at least 3 days after the initial
sprain. If you have had nailpolish on toes for a bit, this will be
difficult... check the pulse of your foot instead. Place 2 fingers on
the top of your foot and feel for the pulse. If you do not feel a
throbbing pulse, again, consult a doctor.)
*If the sprain occured more than 2 days ago, start applying heat
instead of cold. If you have access to a hot tub or other form of
warm circulating water, that is best. Otherwise just soak in warm
tub or basin. The heat will increase blood circulation in the area
and allow the blood to begin to take away the fluid built up from
the swelling.
*Elevate as often as possible.
*Use an ACE bandage. Keep it tightly wrapped as often
as possible. If skin begins to show bluish tint and the skin is cool
to the touch, it is wrapped too tightly, but only loosen slightly.
Keep it wrapped when planning to be active. Home to watch
television for the night would not be active and you could leave
unwrapped, JUST ELEVATE!!
*Until you ankle is strong again, you run the risk of reinjury. It
might be a good idea to purchase an ACE brace (same material
as the bandage, just pre-formed so you just slip it on like a sock.)
to give yourself extra support. Avoid shoes with a high heal for
awhile.

I have included a link to advise you on how to wrap an ankle with an ACE bandage.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Try Arnica Cream and Arnica pills 30 potency. Also Rescue Remedy Spray locally. Should give you full relief shortly. Arnica is homeopathic medicine and Rescue Remedy is a Bach Flower Mixture. To know more about Bach Flowers, go to the free online course at:

http://floweressencesintro.onlinecourse.com/

and to know more about homeopathy register for the free online course at:

http://homeo.onlinecourse.com/

(lessons will be uploaded shortly).

Best wishes.

Answer 5

you should have it looked at little lady to make a safe assessment, maybe take a couple pain killers if it hurts bad. Do not rely on medicines to cure it if you think its more than a sprain.