Is it possible to sprain your ankle without swelling

Taking anti-inflammatory medications will also decrease swelling and pain. Your body needs rest to heal. Cover your ankle with a wet towel and place a plastic bag full of ice or a package of frozen corn or peas over it.

Apply the ice for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove it for 40 minutes. Repeat this as often as you can during the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury. Recline on a bed, sofa, or chair and use a pillow to raise your injured ankle slightly higher than your hips. Use of Health Topics. An ankle sprain is a common injury, usually caused by an unexpected twist of your ankle. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of a sprained ankle.

Other common symptoms of a sprained ankle include: Tenderness Bruising Difficulty walking Ankle sprains are separated into these three categories: First-degree sprain The ligaments are stretched or slightly torn. Second-degree sprain You feel a tearing, popping, or snapping sensation when you injure the ankle. Third-degree sprain At the time of the injury, the joint may slip out of place and then back in. Playing sports puts you at risk for an ankle sprain, but your everyday activities can also increase your risk.

Use a step stool to access high places. Avoid platform shoes and high heels. Exercise your ankles and calves to keep them strong, and stretch your calf muscles after exercising. Rest the ankle until it is pain-free. Ice the ankle as soon as possible. So follow your doctor's advice and don't push yourself or feel pressure to get back into sports or other activities too soon.

Sprains usually heal well, but they need time to get fully better. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is an Ankle Sprain? The signs of an ankle sprain depend on how serious it is. Common symptoms include: pain soreness swelling trouble bearing weight or walking on the ankle bruising What Causes Ankle Sprains?

How Are Ankle Sprains Diagnosed? How Are Ankle Sprains Treated? Treatment for an ankle sprain usually includes: protecting the ankle by taping, wearing a lace-up ankle brace, or ankle splint rest to prevent reinjury and limit swelling. How long somebody needs to take it easy depends on the injury. If no ligaments tore, 10—14 days might be long enough. Can I Go Back to Sports? You can go back when: The swelling goes down.

The sport does not cause pain. The doctor says it's OK. If symptoms do not resolve after a few days, seek medical attention. Mild strains can be treated using the RICE technique, which includes:. If pain and swelling do not go down after a few days, reach out to your doctor for a diagnosis. A strain left unchecked can cause further damage that may affect your ability to stand and walk later in life. A broken ankle is the most severe type of ankle injury and will need to be confirmed by a doctor using an x-ray.

Signs your ankle is broken include pain, swelling and bruising, accompanied by pale skin, inability to move the toes, and numbness. A cast or boot is usually required to help heal a broken ankle, depending on which ankle bone is broken. Whether you have a strain, sprain, or break, ankle injuries hurt. The best way to treat your injury is to seek care as soon as possible. Check out our after hours and walk-in services to get the treatment that works with your schedule! Health , Injury Prevention.

Construction Update: August 19, ». For appointments call Common Ankle Strain Symptoms Although it is the least severe of the three injuries, joint strains should be taken seriously if you want to avoid further injury. Pain Pain is the most common symptom of any injury, and a strained ankle is no different. Inflammation, Swelling, or Redness Swelling or discoloration at the site of the injury may be an indication of a strain.

Loss of Motion In the case of mild strains, your ankle may become stiff with pain, limiting your range of motion. Common Ankle Sprain Symptoms A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments are overstretched or torn.

Pain A key symptom of a sprained ankle is pain. Swelling As with a strain, swelling is a common symptom of an ankle sprain. Bruising Bruising is the major difference between a sprain and a strain.