Ankle injury treatment, know when to seek medical care

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (July 25, 2024) — Acute ankle injuries — most commonly an ankle sprain — affect all ages and are caused by a fall, playing sports, or simply stepping off a curb.

“The initial treatment of an ankle sprain usually involves an acronym that we call “RICE:” R for rest; I for ice; C for compression, using an ACE bandage; and E for elevation or raising the foot above the level of the heart to allow the swelling to reduce and to help with pain relief,” said Marcis Craig, MD, Baptist Health Medical Group Orthopedics in Elizabethtown.

In addition to taking RICE measures, taking over-the-counter pain medication as directed can be helpful.

When in doubt — or it’s your first-ever ankle injury — it may be best to seek medical treatment to determine whether it’s sprained or fractured. Or for those who have experienced this type of injury before, at-home treatment can be used, at least initially.

After a few days of at-home treatment, if it is still difficult to walk around on the injured ankle, there is severe swelling or bruising, or pain hasn’t diminished, it’s time to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Be ready tell your provider how the injury occurred, and what you have tried at home to alleviate symptoms.

A clinician can evaluate for sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and Achilles tendon ruptures, use diagnostic imaging, if needed, and can recommend medication, supportive devices, physical therapy, or, rarely, surgery.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can play a large role in healing. Prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises will help speed healing, allowing individuals to get back to daily activities more quickly. The prescribed exercises can be continued after the injury has healed to maintain strength and to help prevent reinjury or developing a new injury.

“One of the first things we have people do is to start with range of motion. One common example is drawing the alphabet with their toes to get the ankle moving and keep it from getting too stiff, and we’ve learned that helps people recover more quickly from an ankle sprain,” said Dr. Craig. “Usually, we would progress from there, doing some stretches and exercises with an elastic band to move the ankle up, down, in and out, to turn on the muscles that also help support the ankle.”

How can you prevent an ankle injury?

Strengthening and stretching exercises for your legs and ankles are a great way to prevent injuring or reinjuring your ankle. Since many injuries are related to a fall, working on your balance through specific exercises can also help. Your physician or physical therapy provider can make recommendations that will work for you.

Tips for healthy ankles

• Skip your workout if you are injured or tired — let your body rest and repair.
• Wear shoes that are in good shape and watch your foot placement.
• Be sure to warm up before you exercise.
• If you are running or walking, do so on a flat, smooth surface.
• Incorporate daily stretching and strengthening exercises.

For more information about the services offered at Baptist Health Medical Group Orthopedics, visit BaptistHealth.com.