Does My Ankle Injury Need Medical Attention?
One of the most common areas to injure on the body, with good reason, is the ankle. We put these joints through the ringer, running, jumping and landing on them, expecting this combination of muscles, tendons and ligaments to keep you on your feet. However, just the right turn of the foot paired with pressure can quickly change your sleek ankle into a puffy mess. So when does an ankle sprain or strain require medical attention?
Most people have had an ankle strain or sprain at one point or another. Although the injury is very painful, it often will heal on its own without the need for medical attention. A strain is when the muscles or tendons are strained. Usually these injuries will heal on their own and don’t lead to further injury. However, a sprain is when the ligament in the ankle is stretched or torn. This can be more serious and even lead to permanent damage if not treated.
If you experience an ankle injury, opting to see a sports physician is always a prudent option. However, if you think the injury is minor, you can proceed with caution and use rest and ice at home to help it heal. Just keep in mind that these following symptoms are signs you should seek medical attention:
- Severe swelling or bruising
- Tingling or a numbness in the ankle area
- Extreme pain
- You cannot put any weight on your ankle
- It does not show improvement after a week
You rely on your ankles for your most important task to get you from point A to point B, so don’t put them in jeopardy. If you are concerned about your ankle injury, see a sport medicine specialist for medical treatment.
Posted on behalf of:
Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians
5730 Glenridge Drive Northeast #230
Atlanta, GA 30328
(678) 752-7246
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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