There is a good chance you have suffered an ankle sprain at some point in your life. For example, this is common among young children who like to roughhouse and enjoy themselves outdoors.
With most ankle sprains, you’ll immediately feel pain and discomfort. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if bruising and swelling set in right away.
In the event of a serious ankle sprain, don’t be surprised if you hear a snap or pop at the time of the injury.
If you have reason to believe you have suffered an ankle sprain, you should consult with a medical professional. They can run a variety of tests, such as an X-ray, to determine the extent of the injury and whether or not there is a broken bone
With the help of your medical team, you can then implement a treatment strategy. This typically includes plenty of rest, which means staying off your foot until you are able to walk without any pain. You may need to use crutches for an extended period of time.
Also, ice and elevation can go a long way in reducing swelling, thus speeding up the healing process.
If you suffer an ankle sprain on the job, maybe because you fell from height or stepped into a hole, you should stay where you are until help arrives. Also, report the accident and injury to your employer.
Once you know your long-term prognosis, you may want to file for ‘ . This will benefit you in the event that you are unable to immediately return to work.
Source: Web MD, “Ankle Sprain – Topic Overview,” accessed Dec. 22, 2017