Suffering from a Sprained Ankle? We’re Here to Help!
If you’ve sprained your ankle, don’t wait—visit us for expert care! Call or schedule a telemedicine appointment for more information. We proudly serve patients in Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, North Lauderdale, and Coconut Creek.
Even the Fittest Athletes Can Suffer from Sprained Ankles
Athletes work hard to keep their bodies in peak condition, but even the most well-prepared competitors can suffer an ankle sprain during intense play. Fortunately, prompt care from quality urgent care providers can help minimize the impact and get athletes back on their feet quickly.
Sprains Can Occur During Any Athletic Activity
Ankle sprains can happen at any time—during practice or competition—and they can take athletes off the field for weeks. Without proper treatment, sprains may cause long-term issues like stiffness, which can hinder running or jumping. In severe cases, the ligaments may not function as they should, making future athletic performance more challenging. Proper care can reduce these risks and promote a faster recovery.
Immediate Care Can Reduce the Impact
After an ankle sprain, it’s important to stop and manage the injury right away. The RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—offers immediate relief:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle. Use crutches or a brace, and refrain from sports practice to allow healing.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack for 10-20 minutes, 3 or more times a day, to reduce swelling. After 48-72 hours, heat may also be beneficial. Always place a towel between your skin and the ice or heat.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or brace to minimize swelling and promote circulation. If you experience tingling, pain, or numbness, loosen the bandage.
- Elevation: Raise the ankle above heart level, using a pillow or blankets. This is easiest when lying down but can also be done while sitting.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can also help manage pain and inflammation.
Urgent Care Makes a Difference
While some symptoms may be manageable at home, urgent care centers offer faster, more effective treatment. An urgent care specialist can assess the severity of your sprain, provide an ankle brace for support, and guide you through rehabilitation to ensure full recovery.
Our experts also teach exercises to improve mobility and strengthen the ankle, reducing the risk of future sprains and helping athletes return to their sport sooner.
Visit Us for Expert Care
If you’ve sprained your ankle or suffered another non-emergency injury, don’t wait—visit Walking Urgent Care, Inc. Our experienced specialists will provide the care you need to recover and stay active.