What is the best thing to do if i have sprained my ankle?!
Question: i was playing basketball and came down on it awkward and heard a crack. it didn't hurt as bad and i was able to walk on it. i iced it and wrapped it over night and now it hurts more than yesterday.. what should i do without going to the doctor? i can still walk on it.. but it hurts when i put pressure on the ankle.
Answers: i was playing basketball and came down on it awkward and heard a crack. it didn't hurt as bad and i was able to walk on it. i iced it and wrapped it over night and now it hurts more than yesterday.. what should i do without going to the doctor? i can still walk on it.. but it hurts when i put pressure on the ankle.
The crack sound usually indicates a pulled or torn tendon which is a little harder to fix than a sprain, but not impossible.
You'll need to continue with ice, elevate the foot/ankle and stay off it for a good 2-3 days. Then begin working it by placing it in real warm water (add hot to kept warm) for 15 mins then slowly start rotating the foot (still in water) first one way then the other for 5-10 mins then ice it for 15 mins. Repeat this 2-3 times a day and increase just a little each time.
If you have a pair of old boots, cut off the front/top part then wrap tight enough to keep from using the ankle. (medical supplies have, but cost a lot) Still avoid any excess weight as much as possible.
The whole thing usually takes about 2 weeks if it's a tendon. A sprain is about a week or less.
Either way, if real painful after only 3 days of being off it, get x-rays. People have been able to use the ankle when broke.
Sounds like you seriously need to go to a doctor especially if you heard a crack. That would mean it's more than a sprain.
You need to stay off of it, elevate it and ice it.
Hope it feels better soon.
Rest
Ice - for 20 minutes at a time
Compression - wrap with an ace bandage
Elevation
Antiinflammatories may help but take them a few times.
If it doesn't start to feel better in a day or two or gets worse you should follow up with a doctor.
Rest, continue to ice the ankle, light compression ACE bandage or use an air cast, and elevate the ankle.
The best thing to do is to visit a doctor.
RICE approach
Rest--You may need to rest your ankle, either completely or partly, depending on how serious your sprain is.
Ice--Use ice packs, ice slush baths or ice massages can decrease the swelling, pain, bruising and muscle spasms. Keep using ice for up to 3 days after the injury.
Compression--Wrap your ankle to avoid swelling and bruising. You'll probably need to keep your ankle wrapped for 1 or 2 days after the injury and perhaps for up to a week or more.
Elevation--Raising your ankle to or above the level of your heart will help prevent the swelling from getting worse and will help reduce bruising. Try to keep your ankle elevated for about 2 to 3 hours a day if possible.
Ive fractured many bones in my life as an athlete. You REALLY need to see a doctor especially if you heard a crack. Thats usually one of the first things a doctor asks you..."did you hear a pop or crack?" It sounds like you fractured it. Take my advice....go see a doc!
You really should have an ex-ray, but if there is just no way you can go to a dr. continue what you were doing, apply ice 20 min on 40 min off, do not go more than 20 min on at a time or you get the reverse effect. Elevate when ever possible on a pillow, this relieves pressure points, wrap in ace wrap, will give support and help with swelling. You can usually get crutches from the local VFW for free to use while you need them, or rent them from some stores, call walgreens and see if they rent.
ALSO NEVER PUT HEAT ON AN INJURY FOR THE FIRST 48 HOURS.