Ankle Sprain in Teens: Care Instructions

An ankle sprain can happen when you twist your ankle. The ligaments that support the ankle can get stretched and torn. Often the ankle is swollen and painful.

Ankle sprains may take from several weeks to a few months to heal. Usually, the more pain and swelling you have, the more severe your ankle sprain is and the longer it will take to heal. You can heal faster and regain strength in your ankle with good home treatment.

It's very important to give your ankle time to heal completely, so that you don't easily hurt your ankle again.

• Use the RICE approach.
  • Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain. You may need crutches until you can walk without discomfort. If you use crutches, try to bear some weight on your injured ankle if you can do so without pain. This can help the ankle heal.
  • Ice. Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Types of cold therapy include ice packs you can make and cold packs that can be reused. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
  • Compression. Follow your doctor's directions for wearing a splint or bandage. Wrapping the area may help reduce or prevent swelling. Your doctor may also recommend a brace, an air stirrup, or another form of ankle support to help protect your ankle while it heals. Wear it as directed.
  • Elevation. Prop up the sore area on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor or physical therapist gave you ankle exercises to do at home, do them exactly as instructed. These exercises can help your ankle heal. And they may help prevent future injury.