Ankle sprained or sprained: what should you do?

What is a sprained ankle? And what is the difference between a sprained and sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is also called a sprained ankle or sprained ankle ligaments. So it’s exactly the same. If you sprain or sprain your ankle, your ankle ligaments will stretch. You can also tear it in or even tear it off completely.

What to do with a sprained ankle?

Ouch! You went through your ankle. Annoying and painful. What now? First of all, put your ankle up and cool with an ice pack or if you don’t have one with ice cubes. Always do this with a thin cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent your skin from freezing. Just give yourself a few days of rest. A firm bandage – pressure bandage or tube bandage, for example – can help for a firmer feeling.

Carefully try as soon as possible if you can walk. Walking aids recovery. You may be able to walk with crutches for the first few days. You can rent these at, for example, the home care store.

If the pain gets worse when you walk, it’s best to stop. Try again the next day. Is walking still not good? Also move the ankle back and forth regularly when you are sitting or lying down. Do not go in circles: this is often painful.

Will a painkiller help?

It is not necessary to take painkillers. If you are in a lot of pain, you could take paracetamol. Does the pain keep coming back? Then take paracetamol at fixed times. Always read the package leaflet before use. In case the paracetamol does not help enough, contact your doctor. Heavier painkillers may help better, but can have nasty side effects.

How long symptoms after a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle usually heals on its own. After a few days to a week, the pain will subside and you will be able to stand and walk again. Some people suffer longer and the ankle may not feel firm. In this case, a brace, tape, or exercise therapy may be required. If this is the case, discuss it with your doctor. Recovery varies from person to person. One is symptom-free after two weeks, but for another it takes longer. Most people are symptom-free after about four to six weeks.

When to go to the doctor?

When you’re in so much pain that you can’t stand on your foot. Also contact your doctor or the GP if you are in so much pain that you cannot take four steps without help. Do the complaints not diminish after a few days? Call your doctor for an appointment on weekdays if the pain has not subsided after four days. Do this even if your ankle has not become less fat after four days.