How would a doctor treat a severely sprained ankle?
Answer: Ice it, stay off of it mostly, and pain medication. .
If you went to a doctor, they would probably first X-ray your ankle to make sure there are no fractures or broken bones. If confirmed that your ankle is sprained, your doctor would likely advise you to care for your ankle by:
-Wrapping the ankle in a bandage or brace
-Keep the ankle elevated
-Keep the ankle iced
-REST, walk only if you need to
If you find it unbearable or difficult to walk, a doctor would likely give you a cane or crutches or tell you where you could buy something to support you..
In more severe sprains, you may hear and/or feel something tear, along with a pop or snap. You will probably have extreme pain at first and will not be able to walk or even put weight on your foot. Usually, the more pain and swelling you have, the more severe your ankle sprain is and the longer it will take to heal.
With more severe sprains, you may need X-rays to rule out a broken bone in the ankle or the foot. It is possible to break a bone in your foot or ankle at the same time as a sprain.
In many cases you can first use the PRINCE approach to treat your ankle:
Protection. Use a protective brace, such a brace with a built-in air cushion or another form of ankle support.
Rest. Use crutches until you can walk without pain.
Ice. For at least the first 24 to 72 hours or until the swelling goes down, apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes every hour or two during the day.
NSAIDs or acetaminophen. NSAIDs (such as Advil and Motrin) are medicines that reduce swelling and pain. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) reduces pain.
Compression. An elastic compression wrap, such as an ACE bandage, will help reduce swelling. You wear it for the first 24 to 36 hours. Compression wraps do not offer protection. So you also need a brace to protect your ankle if you try to put weight on it.
Elevation. Raise your ankle above the level of your heart for 2 to 3 hours a day if possible. This helps to reduce swelling and bruising.
Proper treatment and rehabilitation exercises are very important for ankle sprains. If an ankle sprain does not heal right, the joint may become unstable and may develop chronic pain. This can make your ankle weak and more likely to be reinjured. Before you return to sports and other activities that put stress on your ankle, it's a good idea to wait until you can hop on your ankle with no pain. Taping your ankle or wearing a brace during exercise can help protect your ankle. Wearing hiking boots or other high-top, lace-up shoes for support may also help. But use caution. Don't force your foot into a boot if you feel a lot of pain or discomfort.
If your ankle is still unstable after rehab, or if the ligament damage is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the torn ligaments.
You can try to walk or put weight on your foot while using crutches if it doesn't hurt too much. Depending on your pain, you can also begin range-of-motion exercises while you have ice on your ankle. These exercises are easy to do-you just trace the alphabet with your toe. This helps the ankle move in all directions.
Ask your doctor about other rehab. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal totally and may prevent further injury.
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rest---keep off the leg
ice--- apply 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off -- a bag of frozen peas or corn works best because it conforms to the shape of your ankle the best
compression-- your doctor will apply a dressing (like an ace wrap),
elevate --- your ankle above the level of your heart when lying down and up on a chair when sitting.
hope this helps, i have sprained my ankles more times that i can count.
They would most likely:
*take an x-ray (to see if it was fractured)
*wrap it in an ace bandage
*tell you to keep it elevated/ iced (20 mins. on, 20 mins. off)
*send you home with crutches and instruct you to take a pain reliever (advil, tylenol, etc)
**if you want a home remedy that really works, soak a brown paper bag in vinegar, and wrap it around your ankle... I swear it works!.
First, ice it down.
Second, x-ray or MRI.
Third, splint or light cast until swelling abates somewhat.
Fourth, hard/walking cast for 4-6 wks.
The cast can be any color you want..
He'd probably take an x-ray to make sure its actually sprained and not broke, then he'd probably wrap it with a tensor, ice it and rest it They dont treat it.
Just an ace bandage and ice and keep off it for a while
they might take a weed wacker and just wack it off..
alternate between icing it and putting something hot on it. wrap it in an ace bandage and use crutches. For a really severe sprain, a doc would likely put it in a walking cast.