Ankle Sprain

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? An ankle sprain is when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn. The ligaments are tissues that hold bones together. Most of the time your ankle should be well in 4 to 6 weeks with treatment.

Causes: You may have had a sudden injury to your ankle, such as tripping. Or you may have bent your ankle the wrong way.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising of the injured ankle. You may also not be able to move the ankle very well.

Care: You may need to have an x-ray. You may also need to wear a splint or ace wrap on the injured ankle. Put ice on the ankle and lift it above the level of your heart. This will lessen the swelling and pain. You may need to use crutches to help you walk. You may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help the pain. Do not take ibuprofen if you are allergic to aspirin.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.



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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.



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