What does the ER do for a sprained ankle?

In the ER, you will meet with a doctor who will examine your injury, discuss the results of your X-rays with you, and recommend treatment. Being able to tell the doctor how the injury occurred will be useful in determining the extent and location of the injury.

What does a severe ankle sprain feel like?

A more serious sprain might include bruising and tenderness around the ankle, and walking is painful. In a severe ankle sprain, the ankle is unstable and may feel “wobbly.” You can’t walk, because the ankle gives out and may be very painful.

How do you know if a sprained ankle is serious?

You have severe pain or pain that gets worse over time. You can’t put any weight on the injured ankle. You have trouble moving the injured ankle. If you heard a popping noise at the time of the injury….Is it a broken ankle or sprained ankle?

1. Pain.
2. Swelling.
3. Bruising.
4. Inability to bear weight on the injured ankle.

Should I go to ER for ankle injury?

Go to the emergency room if: there is immediate bruising on the foot, significant deformity, or you are unable to walk or put any pressure on the affected ankle as it could be a fracture or broken bone.

Should I go to hospital with sprained ankle?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs.

What is the popping noise when you sprain your ankle?

A “popping” sound is very common to hear at the moment when you sprains your ankle. A “cracking” noise means it’s most likely a fractured bone. Swelling can be normal for this type of injury, but if your ankle appears deformed or crooked at the same time, it’s most likely a fracture. Numbness also indicates a fracture.

How should you sleep with a sprained ankle?

Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep. Also apply some ice before going to bed to reduce inflammation.

When should you get an xray for sprained ankle?

X-rays only required if there are bony pain in the malleolar or midfoot area, and any one of the following: Bone tenderness along the distal 6cm of the posterior edge of the tibia or tip of the medial malleolus. Bone tenderness along the distal 6cm of the posterior edge of the fibula or tip of the lateral malleolus.

What does a fractured ankle feel like?

If you have a broken ankle, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms: Immediate, throbbing pain. Swelling. Bruising.

What will the hospital do for a fractured ankle?

Treatments for a broken ankle a special boot to help support your ankle. a plaster cast to hold your ankle in place while it heals. the bones to be moved back into place by a doctor (they’ll give you an injection to numb your ankle) surgery to fix the broken bones.

Should I go to the ER for a broken ankle?

If you suspect a fracture, you should call your doctor or go to a hospital’s emergency department immediately. You can do the following until you can get to a hospital or doctor’s office: Stay off the injured ankle so you do not injure it further. Keep the ankle elevated to help decrease swelling and pain.

Should I go hospital for a sprained ankle?

Is a sprained ankle considered an emergency?

Most of the time, a sprained ankle isn’t an emergency. However, even seemingly minor sprains could be more serious and improper healing could result in long-term pain or ankle instability, so you should see a doctor if you have any of these sprained ankle symptoms:

How do I know if my ankle is broken or sprained?

The easiest way to decipher between a sprained or broken ankle is your ability to bear weight. If you can’tmove your foot or bear any weight, it’s likely a break. Sprains come in many forms. A high ankle sprain versus low ankle sprain can explain why you’re bruised in upper or lower regions of the foot.

When should I get an X-ray for an ankle sprain?

I’ve heard that sometimes, if the person who sprains their ankle is not able to put weight on that foot for a period of time right after the injury, they should receive an x-ray. Dr. Barg: Usually, right after the injury, almost everybody who has ankle sprains cannot bear weight. I would definitely wait a couple hours.

Should you exercise with a sprained ankle?

Too often, Dr. Williams notes, people shrug off their ankle sprain and resume normal activities without allowing the body to heal.