A sprained ankle is not just a rite of passage for athletes or the occasional result of wearing high heels; it’s a common injury that can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Whether you took a misstep on your morning jog, twisted your ankle stepping off a curb, or had a minor mishap at home, the pain and discomfort of a sprained ankle are anything but minor.
However, the good news is that your local urgent care center can provide you effective treatment for a sprained ankle. Here is a brief understanding of sprained ankles and how urgent care can provide the right treatment.
What Exactly Is a Sprained Ankle?
A sprain occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are twisted awkwardly, typically due to sudden movements such as walking or running on uneven surfaces. This can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and a range of motion limitations.
Sprains are categorized into three grades:
- Grade 1: Mild damage to a ligament without joint instability.
- Grade 2: Moderate damage involving a partial tear of the ligament, with some degree of looseness in the joint.
- Grade 3: Severe damage with a full tear and instability of the joint.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Recognizing when to seek sprained ankle treatment is key. For mild sprains, home treatment such as resting, icing, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) may suffice.
However, if you experience significant swelling, cannot bear weight on the affected foot, or if the pain and swelling do not improve with home treatment, it’s time to visit urgent care.
The Right Treatment at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers are equipped to handle non-life-threatening emergencies like sprained ankles efficiently. Here’s what you can expect:
Prompt Evaluation
Upon arrival, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and examine your ankle. They may check for tenderness, swelling, bruising, and range of motion.
You can also expect questions about the nature of your injury, the level of pain you are experiencing, and how it happened.
Diagnostic Tests
If necessary, urgent care providers can perform X-rays to rule out fractures, which can sometimes accompany or mimic the symptoms of a sprain.
Immediate Treatment
Based on the severity of the sprain, treatment options at urgent care may include:
R.I.C.E. Method
For immediate relief, the urgent care staff will likely recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- Rest: It’s important to give your ankle the rest it needs. This may mean taking a break from physical activities.
- Ice: Applying ice to your sprained ankle can help reduce swelling and ease the ankle pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, and always wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid direct contact with your skin.
- Compression: Wearing a compression bandage can help control the swelling and support the injured ankle. Make sure the bandage isn’t too tight, as it can impede circulation.
- Elevation: Raising your ankle above heart level when resting can also prevent or reduce swelling. If needed, use pillows to prop up your leg.
Bracing or Splinting
For more significant sprains, especially grades 2 and 3, bracing or splinting may be required. This approach helps to:
- Immobilize the ankle, allowing the ligaments to heal properly.
- Protect the area from further injury.
- Stabilize the joint, reducing pain when moving.
A brace is usually more flexible, providing support to the ankle while still allowing some movement. In contrast, a splint might be used for more severe injuries to completely immobilize the joint.
Medication
The urgent care provider may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter medications to manage pain and decrease inflammation. These could include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, help reduce pain and swelling.
- Acetaminophen for pain relief if NSAIDs are contraindicated.
It’s crucial to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and frequency to avoid potential side effects.
Crutches
If the sprain is severe enough that putting weight on the ankle causes pain or could potentially worsen the injury, crutches may be recommended. Crutches provide:
- Support to move around without putting weight on the injured ankle.
- Protection against further injury by avoiding strain on the healing ligaments.
Crutches are typically used until you can walk without pain or significant discomfort, indicating that the ankle has sufficiently recovered to bear weight again.
In complex cases, urgent care providers refer patients with sprained ankles to orthopedic specialists for specialized orthopedic care.
Follow-Up Care
Urgent care providers will also guide you on follow-up care, which may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the ankle and prevent future injuries. They will advise when it’s safe to return to normal activities gradually.
Sprained Ankle Treatment in Fairless Hills, PA
Suffering from a sprained ankle? Don’t wait in pain. At Patient Care Now Urgent Care, we understand how crucial immediate treatment is to alleviate your discomfort and promote quick healing. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to delivering the highest quality orthopedic urgent care services in a compassionate and comfortable environment.
With our convenient hours, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, weekends from 8 am to 6 pm, and special holiday hours, you can find relief without the long wait.
To get treatment for your urgent health problem, walk in at any time during our working hours. You may call ahead at (267) 202-6433 to let us know you are coming.
