As an ankle sprain doctor in Austin, TX understands, spraining your ankle is extremely common and will likely happen to most people in their lifetime. When it comes to sprained ankles, you may be wondering what you should do about them. Are there good preventative measures you should take? Should you always try to fix a sprained ankle at home or are there times when you should seek help from a medical professional? If you are dealing with a sprained ankle and are not sure of the steps you should take, reach out to Austin Physical Therapy to get the help you need. If a sprained ankle does not heal properly, it could cause you to become injured in the future.
What kinds of treatments can I do at home?
Understandably, you probably want to know if there are treatments you can do at home to help your sprained ankle feel better and heal. An Austin, Texas ankle sprain doctor recommends the RICE method when you first get a sprained ankle.
- R. Rest! Do not walk around on your ankle and try to use walking aids, if possible, when you need to get up and move around.
- I. Ice your ankle and try to keep the ice there for about 20 minutes. Do this a few times a day.
- C. Compress the area around your ankle. You want to keep your ankle from moving around as much as possible. Always check to see that your blood is flowing to your feet when you compress your ankle.
- E. Elevate. You want to keep your ankle lifted up and relaxed, allowing it to rest at the same level as your heart. This elevation can help avoid swelling.
Why should I seek medical help?
You may think that since sprained ankles are so common, you do not need medical attention. However, if you experience severe pain with your sprained ankle, an inability to put your weight on that ankle, or a popping sound when you sprain it, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Seeing a doctor can also ensure you are getting the care you need so that your ankle can heal properly. Without medical help, it is possible that your ankle will cause you problems in the future and that it could continue to get sprained again and again.
If you would like medical help after you sprained your ankle, look no further than Austin Physical Therapy. Our team is here to help you rest and recover. Call our ankle sprain doctor in Austin, Texas to learn more about our treatment plan for you.