You should apply a compression bandage as soon as a sprain occurs. Wrap your ankle with
an elastic bandage
, such as an ACE bandage, and leave it on for 48 to 72 hours. Wrap the bandage snugly, but not tightly.
Is it OK to sleep with your ankle wrapped?
Most experts recommend that
you only wrap your ankle during the day for support and protection
, while you continue to ice, elevate and rest the injury. While some people feel a sense of comfort from a compression wrap at night—unless it provides pain relief, you shouldn’t have your ankle wrapped while you sleep.
Should I sleep with a compression bandage on?
The bandage should provide a snug compression, but not restrict blood flow.
Please remove compression bandages at night while sleeping
. for best results. As swelling reduces it may be necessary to adjust compression bandage.
How should you sleep with a sprained ankle?
Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with
the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart
. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.
Should I wrap a sprained ankle at night?
Wrap it snugly
, but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling. And remove or significantly loosen it when you go to bed at night. Elevation: By keeping your ankle elevated above the level of your heart, you can help reduce swelling and pain.
How long does a rolled ankle take to heal?
Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in
one to three weeks
with proper rest and non-surgical care( such as applying ice). Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks. Because of limited blood flow to the ligaments of the ankle, more severe injuries may take between three and six months to heal.
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
Walking: Did you know that walking can promote healing for a sprained ankle? In the first few days, you should stay off the foot. As the swelling decreases and the ankle starts to heal,
short distance walking can be good
for your recovery. Start slowly and gradually build up your distance and endurance.
Do I wear ankle brace over or under sock?
Never wear the brace over an open wound
. Ankle Brace should be worn with an athletic sock. Before application loosen all straps and laces. Insert foot inside the boot portion of the brace, making sure to have the tongue of the brace resides on the top of your foot between your skin and the lacing.
Can walking on a sprained foot make it worse?
Yes
. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.
How long should I keep my ankle wrapped after a sprain?
You should apply a compression bandage as soon as a sprain occurs. Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage, such as an ACE bandage, and leave it on for
48 to 72 hours
. Wrap the bandage snugly, but not tightly.
Should a sprained ankle still hurt after a week?
If your sprain is severe or isn’t feeling better after about a week,
you may need to see a doctor
. They might give you a brace or cast to hold your ankle still. You can use crutches to keep weight off it.
Is it OK to leave an Ace bandage on overnight?
NEVER LEAVE AN ELASTIC BANDAGE ON OVERNIGHT
. Elevation by raising the injured area above the level of the heart also assists in reducing swelling often associated with injury.
Are Compression Socks good for sprained ankles?
Even when not using the leg, keeping a
medical compression sock
on can work to ensure proper circulation and more rapid healing. When up and about on a moderate sprain, don’t take a single step without your compression socks and an ankle brace.
Can a sprained ankle get worse?
If your symptoms last more than a week without getting better, or if they seem to be getting worse and are accompanied by a fever, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. More severe sprains should be treated by a healthcare provider.
Should I go to the hospital for a sprained ankle?
Go to
urgent care
if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.
How do you shower with a sprained ankle?
For the first 2 days after your injury,
avoid hot showers
, hot tubs, or hot packs. They may increase swelling. Put ice or a cold pack on your foot for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down.
