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:

• Pain is uncontrolled, despite of over-the-counter medications, elevation, and ice.

• 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.