A sprained ankle is a common mishap for children and adults alike.
Whether you twisted it while walking or hurt it while playing a sport, a sprained ankle causes immediate pain and swelling that can last for days.
While switching between cold and hot therapy and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may seem like the best in-the-moment solution to fix your sprained ankle, they shouldn’t be considered the only option.
Now that you’re dealing with an unrelenting injury, you may wonder, “Should I go to urgent care for a sprained ankle?” We will answer that question for you and provide important reasons why seeking professional medical care can help you heal faster and feel better sooner.
Continue reading to learn more.
What Is a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle is a direct injury to your ankle after you’ve rolled, twisted, or turned it awkwardly or uncomfortably.
It can be caused by various lifestyle factors, including sports, walking on uneven surfaces, a fall, or another person stepping on your foot.
The ligaments that hold the ankle bone in place stretch or tear, leading to pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion.
Symptoms
Along with pain and swelling, symptoms often include
- tenderness
- bruising
- ankle instability
- difficulty walking or putting pressure on the ankle and foot
- popping sensation at the time of injury
Diagnosis and Treatment
Most ankle injuries are evaluated further using an x-ray to ensure no broken bones. However, if the injury is severe, an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound may be used to determine the extent of the ankle-related issue.
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may involve a mix of self-care methods, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with
- pain medication
- crutches or other assistive devices
- physical therapy to restore full range of motion
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Sprained Ankle?
The short answer, in most cases, is yes.
It is always best to get any moderate to severe injury evaluated by a medical professional for a thorough and correct diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
While not all sprained ankles are serious, going to urgent care for a sprained ankle helps to
- determine whether or not your ankle is sprained or broken
- treat your ankle to prevent recurring ankle pain or problems
- prompt faster healing with ankle support therapy and devices such as a cast, crutches, or a brace
- share best practices that can help restore your ankle during the healing process.
Prompt and Experienced Ankle Care in Houma
If you’ve recently suffered an ankle injury that you believe could be a sprained or broken ankle, we are here to help.
It is always best to seek professional attention from a local urgent care center for sprains, fractures, or other ankle injuries.
Avoid the long emergency time waits and visit Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care in Houma to get the attention and care you need now to start feeling better sooner. We are open seven days a week with no appointments necessary.
Simply walk in, and we will help you with your sprained ankle.