To ice or not to ice?
To stand on the ankle or rest?
What’s the truth out there?!
Read the research on what exactly to do after rolling your ankle!
Should I ice My Ankle?
Yes. Icing is recommended for the first 24-48 hours after an ankle sprain. Ice will help to reduce swelling and provide short-term comfort to make it easier to walk on!
Will Nurofen help?
Anti-inflammatories medications can be helpful in the short term for the first two weeks after an ankle sprain. They work by easing your pain and reducing swelling around the joint. This can help the ankle feel more comfortable, and get you back to walking sooner.
Do I need a boot?
Boots are usually advised if walking is too painful (for most mild sprains they are not needed). They are used to ‘immobilise the ankle’ by taking pressure off the foot, allowing pain and swelling to settle quicker. If you need to wear either a moon boot or crutches it should be no longer then ten days. The best outcomes occur when an exercise program is also being done whilst wearing a boot or using crutches.
Check out more information about Moon Boot Fittings at Pod Fit!
When can I walk again?
As soon as you can! Early walking is shown to have the best result for pain-relief and return to activity and sport. Exercise training for strength and control should be started as early as possible. Your Podiatrist can get you back to activity ASAP!
Greater strength and balance through the ankle has shown to reduce injury re-occurrence and will accelerate your return to work and sport!
Should I use a brace?
Braces can help with comfort and return to play! Better outcomes have been reported with lace-up or semi-rigid braces for 4-6 weeks after injury. These have resulted in better outcomes than rigid strapping, kinesio tape/ immobilisation and elastic bandasges.
Braces have been shown to reduce risk of recurrent ankle sprains. The best outcomes are when braces are used with concurrent strengthening and balance training!
Are you struggling with a sore ankle after spraining it?
Would you like to get back to being active with a healthy ankle?
Then look no further, our friendly Podiatrists can help you out!
Will treatment help?
Yes. Hands on therapy settles pain and swelling faster. Treatments such as Dry Needling and Massage can help reduce swelling fast. Manual mobilisation therapy helps to improve range of motion and reduces pain in the short term. Best results are when manual therapy is provided in conjunction with an exercise program.
Our Podiatrists have additional training in Foot and Ankle Mobilisation Therapy – which works wonders for sore ankles!
