How-To Guides · Safety
How to Treat a Sprained Ankle (and When It Might Be Broken)
Rolled your ankle? Most sprains get better at home in about two weeks. Here's what to do for the first few days, following the N H S, and the signs it might be broken.
1. First 2 To 3 Days: Protect And Rest
For the first two to three days, protect it with a support or good shoes, and rest it. Stop exercising, and keep weight off it.
2. Ice
Put an ice pack on it, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, for up to twenty minutes, every two to three hours.
3. Compress And Raise
Wrap it with a bandage for support during the day. And keep it raised on a pillow as much as you can.
4. For The First Few Days, Avoid
For the first couple of days, skip heat, like hot baths and heat packs, skip alcohol, and skip massage. They can make swelling worse. Once the pain allows, start moving it gently, so it doesn't get stiff.
5. Go To The Er Or Call 911 If
Get emergency help if you heard a crack when it happened, if it's changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle, if it's numb or tingling, or if the skin looks blue, gray, or feels cold.
6. See A Doctor Soon If
See a doctor if the pain or swelling is bad or getting worse, if you can't put weight on it or walk more than a few steps, or if it isn't getting better.
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Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com