Home Care Advice for Ankle Injury

• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen per package instructions.  Avoid aspirin as it may increase the tendency to bleed.
  
• Apply ice pack to injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours for first 24 - 48 hours. Place thin towel between ice pack and skin
  
• Elevate ankle as much as possible for 24 - 48 hours
  
• Wrap ankle with elastic bandage.  If toes or foot become swollen, cold, tingly, numb or painful remove bandage and rewrap more loosely.  Seek emergency care immediately if symptoms persist after removing elastic wrap
  
• Come to Vaden for an evaluation if you are unable to put weight on the injured ankle, it is very painful or you need crutches
  
• For minor sprains, allow the ankle to rest 1 - 2 days, and then begin gentle non-weight bearing exercise
  
• More on ankle sprains at FamilyDoctor.org

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