Ankle injuries can be very painful, but they’re not uncommon. They can result from a number of activities, ranging from playing sports to simply stepping the wrong way. While sustaining an ankle injury can be frustrating, the good news is that you can heal quickly when you take the proper steps to care for it. 

Fairfield, CT, area podiatrist Louise E. Tortora, DPM shares tips for quickly and efficiently healing an ankle injury below:

• Start With Rest: Begin by resting the affected ankle and avoid walking on it. If it isn’t fractured, you can put some weight on it when necessary. If you’re concerned that there may be a fracture, you should visit your foot doctor or general physician to receive X-rays and proper care recommendations.
• Apply Ice: Apply ice for no longer than 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Don’t put ice directly on your skin; instead, use a cloth or a piece of fabric in between.
• Compress and Elevate: Compression can also aid in controlling swelling. Your podiatrist will recommend the proper type of compression gear to support your injured ankle. You can also elevate your ankle whenever possible to aid in healing.

For most sprains, the swelling will go down within a few days. Other, more severe sprains may require podiatric treatment to ensure proper rehabilitation. If you have persistent pain from an ankle injury or any other foot-related concerns, call (203) 254-0093 to schedule an appointment with podiatrist Louise E. Tortora, DPM, in her Fairfield, CT, office. You can also visit the office’s website to learn more about their services.