How to treat a sprained ankle
Disease description:
Two days ago, my son was running too quickly and didn't see an obstacle on the road, causing him to sprain his ankle. He's in so much pain that he can't walk. I'd like to know how to properly treat a sprained ankle.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
An ankle sprain is a common sports injury that usually occurs in the ankle area. The following steps can be taken to manage an ankle sprain:
1. Immediately stop any activity to avoid further injury.
2. Assess the injury. If there is only mild swelling and pain, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time, repeating every 2–3 hours.
3. Elevate the injured foot to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling.
4. After the condition stabilizes (usually after 24–48 hours), switch to heat therapy to enhance blood flow and aid recovery.
5. If the pain is severe or persists, there may be a fracture or ligament tear; seek medical attention immediately.
During recovery, avoid weight-bearing activities, get adequate rest, and perform rehabilitation exercises under a doctor's guidance.
