Font Size
A
A
A

Ankle Sprain (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

Usually, an ankle sprain itself does not call for a trip to the doctor. The problem is how to tell a sprain from a more serious injury such as a fracture. If any of the following occur, you should contact your doctor:

  • Unable to walk or cannot walk without severe pain.
  • The ankle fails to improve within five to seven days. The pain need not be gone, but it should be improving.
  • A follow-up visit one to two weeks after the injury is advisable to help with flexibility and strengthening exercises.

The indications to go to a hospital's emergency department are similar to those for which to call the doctor. The following conditions suggest the patient might have a fracture or more serious injury, or a splint may be needed for pain control:

  • Severe or uncontrolled pain
  • The foot or ankle is misshapen beyond normal swelling
  • Cannot walk four steps, even with a limp
  • Severe pain when pressing over the medial or lateral malleolus, the bumps on each side of the ankle
  • Loss of feeling in the foot or toes
  • Pain and swelling in the back of the ankle, over the Achilles tendon area, or inability to push the toes down (forward-like pressing a gas pedal).
  • Pain or swelling to the upper part of the lower leg just below the knee or swelling of the calf muscle.



Next: Exams and Tests »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Ankle Sprain »

A large percentage of musculoskeletal injuries observed in the outpatient setting involve the ankle.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary