Why You Should Never Ignore a Sprained Ankle

If you've ever sprained your ankle, you know how painful and inconvenient it can be. But did you know that ignoring a sprained ankle can lead to long-term damage and even chronic pain? Here are some tips from Urgentology Care on what you should do if you have a sprained ankle and why you should never ignore it.

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)

The first and most important step in treating a sprained ankle is to follow the RICE method. This means resting the affected ankle, applying ice to reduce swelling, using compression to support the ankle, and elevating the ankle above the heart to reduce swelling. Following these steps can help reduce pain and prevent further damage.

Don't Ignore the Pain

Pain is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. If you're experiencing pain in your ankle, don't ignore it. Instead, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Ignoring the pain can lead to long-term damage and chronic pain.

Get a Proper Diagnosis

If you've sprained your ankle, getting a proper diagnosis from a medical professional is important. An X-ray or MRI may be necessary to determine the extent of the damage. This will help ensure that you receive the proper treatment and prevent further damage.

Follow a Treatment Plan

Once you've been diagnosed with a sprained ankle, it's important to follow a treatment plan. This may include physical therapy, pain management, and rest. Following your treatment plan can speed up the healing process and prevent long-term damage.

Don't Rush Back to Normal Activity

It can be tempting to try to resume your normal activities as soon as possible, but rushing back can lead to further damage. It's important to give your ankle time to heal properly before resuming your normal activities. Your medical professional can provide guidance on when it's safe to resume activity.

Ignoring a sprained ankle can lead to long-term damage and chronic pain. If you've sprained your ankle, follow the RICE method, seek medical attention, get a proper diagnosis, follow a treatment plan, and don't rush back to normal activity. If you're in the Arlington, TX area, Urgentology Care can provide the medical attention and treatment you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. (817) 799-7273