Ankle FAQ

Do All Ankle Sprains Need To Be Seen In The Emergency Room?

Not all ankle sprains need to be evaluated by a physician. Some general rules to follow with ankle sprains and physician referral are as follows:

Exquisite bone tenderness on either malleolus (ankle bones),
Inability to bear any weight after the accident or 1 hour after injury,
Immediate and large volume of swelling,
The age of the athlete is under 16, or
Obvious gross deformity.

If any of the above are present, the athlete should be referred to a physician for examination and possible x-rays. This does not mean that the athlete must go to the nearest Emergency Room. Going to the E.R. immediately will answer the question of a fracture, but may not be the best treatment for a "minor or moderate" ankle sprain. E.R.'s tend to place all ankle sprains on crutches and tell the injured party to "stay off it for 2 weeks, then see an orthopaedic surgeon." This doubles your expense, as well.

We have found that with most mild to moderate sprains the best treatment is immediate rehabilitation, functional splinting, and walking within the tolerance of pain. The Athletic Trainer at your school is well equipped to administer this type of rehab. The worst thing done for mild to moderate sprains is complete rest and non-weight bearing.

Link To Ankle Sprain Care

Information on this site is not a substitute for physician directed care.

Please consult your personal physician for more detailed information

concerning specific injuries or illnesses.

Last Update for AthleticAdvisor.com: 06/04/2006 12:01:52 PM