Ankle Sprain

First 2-3 Weeks After Injury

Appointment: 

  • I usually see my acute ankle sprain consultations within 7-14 days of receiving the consultation.

Pain: 

  • For the first 24-48 hours you may require the occasional Tylenol and/or Advil.

  • After the first 48 hours you most likely will not require any pain medications.

  • I recommend starting Vitamin C, 500mg twice daily. This helps with pain. A prescription will be given to you at your consultation.

Devices: 

  • Walking Boot: If you have a severe ankle sprain, you will be placed in a short walking boot. Most sprains to not require immobilization. The boot should be used at all times with walking. You may remove the boot when sitting, sleeping, showering, and doing therapy. Some patients prefer to wear their boot at night for support.

  • Game Ready: Game Ready is an optional ice compression machine. A sleeve wraps around your leg and ice water is pumped around your surgically repaired Achilles while simultaneously compressing your lower leg. This helps limit swelling and pain. You may remove your boot and use this 5-6 times per day. Use whatever setting on the machine which you can tolerate. 

Weight Bearing:

  • You may fully weight bear immediately with your boot on.

Activity:

  • There are no true limitations in activity. However, I would avoid any strenuous exercise as significant swelling may occur which will be painful and slow your overall recovery.

  • After 2-3 weeks you may slowly return to your regular daily activities with no limitations.

  • Keep in mind, it may take 6-12 weeks before getting back to all activities and sports for more severe sprains.

Therapy:

  • You may begin ankle range of motion immediately after injury. Focus on dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (moving your ankle up and down) and moving your ankle in circles. I recommend doing 3 sets of 10 repetitions 3-4 times per day. The reason for this to avoid stiffness and also help with swelling.

  • A prescription will be given to you at your consultation for formal therapy. I highly recommend starting therapy within 1-2 weeks of your injury.

  • If you do not perform therapy there will be an increased chance of repetitive ankle sprains; therefore, therapy is highly recommended (mandatory).