Getting Treatment for Your Ankle Injury
Your ankle joint is bound by strong ligaments and under most circumstances, it capably sustains your entire bodyweight. But a sudden awkward movement will stretch these ligaments causing an ankle sprain. You don't have to be an athlete to experience them. Something as simple as the shoes you wear, or a misjudged step can overstress your ligaments. You can sometimes treat an ankle sprain at home, but you should always consult your doctor. So get in contact with Dr. Darin Bush of Mobility Spine And Sports in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
What You Can Do at Home
Immediately after the injury, you should avoid putting weight on your ankle. Use crutches if you must move around.
To manage the pain and swelling you can take over the counter medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Read the label instructions.
Applying ice can further help with the swelling, just be careful not to apply it for longer than 20 minutes at a time, and don't apply the ice directly to your skin.
When to Call Your Doctor
Most mild sprains can be treated at home but should be examined by your doctor.
If you haven't yet called and are experiencing extreme pain and your ankle has swelled just as severely you need to get in contact with them as quickly as possible.
It can take weeks, sometimes months, for your ankle to heal completely from a sprain, so it's important to keep in contact with your doctor so they can determine if it's healing correctly, and when you should begin exercising the joint. Which is just as important to its healing as rest was at the beginning.
Treating Ankle Injuries in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ankle sprains can happen to anyone, but you can take some simple steps to make one less likely.
Shoes that put undue stress on your ankles are high risk, such as high heels, and so are ill-fitting shoes in general.
It's recommended you wear a brace, and stretch before and after workouts, and don't forget to complement them with exercises that strengthen your ankles.
Don't treat your ankle injury on your own, give Dr. Bush of Mobility Spine And Sports a call today. Dial (954) 414-7080 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.