Caring for an Ankle Sprain at Home

You're going about your day as normal, but then the most dreadful thing happens; you twist your ankle. While it’s important to see a foot doctor right away, there are some things you can do at home in the meantime to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort. Check the following section to learn some at-home ankle sprain care.

As with any type of injury, proper treatment in the beginning is vital to having a successful recovery. A great approach to take over the first few days is the R.I.C.E. method:

Rest

Avoid activities that could cause additional pain, swelling, or discomfort.

Ice

Use an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every 2 to 3 hours. For those vascular issues, speak with your doctor before applying ice.

Compression

Adding some form of compression can help to stop the swelling. Wrap the foot in an elastic bandage but ensure that it is not too tight to hinder circulation.

Elevation

Another way to reduce swelling is through elevation. When you’re lying down, elevate your foot above your heart. Gravity will help to drain excess fluid, which will decrease the swelling. 

Schedule an Appointment with One of Our Foot Doctors Today

If after a week it’s still not feeling better, then it’s time to see a professional. The foot doctors at West Texas Foot & Ankle Associates have years of experience in providing ankle sprain care to patients across Midland, Odessa, Pecos, Andrews, Big Spring, TX and the surrounding regions. Whether you’ve recently sprained your foot, or it’s not healed properly from a past injury, our foot doctors are here to help. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to our podiatry office to schedule a consultation with one of our foot doctors!