An injury which keeps you from comfortably going about your daily activities can be a frustrating and annoying experience. While a 
twisted ankle may heal within just a few days, a sprained ankle is a much more complex medical issue. Learn more about sprained ankles with help from your Indianapolis, IN podiatrist at Active Podiatry, Dr. Yong S. Chae.
What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments in the ankle become damaged or torn. This is often due to a traumatic event such as twisting your ankle. The first sign of an ankle sprain is immediate pain, bruising, and swelling at the site of the injury. The ankle will probably be tender to the touch and hurt when you move it. Most ankle sprains prevent you from putting weight on the affected foot.
What should I do if I sprain my ankle?
A good rule of thumb for any foot or ankle injury is that if it hurts, you should stay off of it. Use the “RICE” method until you can see your Indianapolis podiatrist:
- Rest: Rest your foot and ankle and refrain from putting any weight on it as much as you can to trigger the body’s natural self-healing methods.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the swollen, painful ankle for about 10 minutes an hour the first day. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle using a compression wrap like an ACE bandage to help bring down swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the foot elevated above your heart for several hours a day to reduce bruising and swelling.
If you think you have sprained your ankle, schedule an appointment at Active Podiatry as soon as possible. An untreated sprain can become worse and take longer to heal or even produce more complicated issues. After using an x-ray to determine for certain that the bones are not broken, Dr. Chae can help you determine the best course of treatment for your ankle at your appointment.
For more information on ankle sprains and their treatment, please contact Dr. Yong S. Chae at Active Podiatry in Indianapolis, IN. Call (317) 328-6622 to schedule your examination today!