If you’ve recently experienced a sports-related injury, or even if you stepped the wrong way, and you’re suffering from ankle pain, you may have a sprain. It’s always a good idea to be safe and seek medical attention following an injury, and professionals like those at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Cincinnati can provide sports medicine therapy or treatments to resolve persistent ankle issues.

With that being said, some ankle sprains are less serious than others, and the steps you take to care for the sprain can help it heal quickly and safely. Your best course of action is to follow the PRICE approach after sustaining an ankle sprain: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Depending on the severity of your sprain, you can choose to protect it using a sprint or brace. It’s also important to rest your ankle by getting the weight off of it. For severe ankle sprains, you may need to visit an ankle specialist, who can determine whether or not you’ll need crutches.

Next, ice the injury for 20 minutes three times a day within the first three days following the sprain. You should also consider using some form of compression, such as a bandage or athletic tape. Finally, elevate the ankle when possible, ensuring that it’s higher than your heart.

The professionals at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Cincinnati are experienced in providing gentle care for ankle sprains and can help ensure that you get the right treatment so you can heal properly, reducing the risk of re-injury and prolonged pain. To learn more about how their doctors treat ankle sprains and foot injuries, visit their website, or call (513) 769-4408 to set up an appointment.