Sprained Ankle! Do I need crutches?

Question

I sprained my ankle they doc said after he took xrays. He told me to go get an ace bandage. so i did n i have 2 wear it for 4 weeks. But it kills when i walk on it its like 8 out of 10 in pain do i need crutches. Ive nvr take oof the bndage tell i sleep . So do i need crutches

Answer 1

you shouldnt need to use the rice method any more and you shouldnt need crutches just keep off of it as much as possible. if you do need to go out you should go and get them. but if you do make sure you dont get dependent on them use 2 and then a few days l8r only use one crutch

Answer 2

If it hurts that bad, probably. You don't have to use them, but why put up with unnecessary pain?

Answer 3

The initial treatment for all sprains is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  I would think that if you really can't tolerate walking on it, that you need to follow these instructions closely - and keep off your ankle until it is better!  If, after a few days of keeping the foot elevated for most of the day, as well as following the rest of the protocol, if you still feel you need crutches, you should go back to your doctor.  There may be a hairline fracture that won't show up on xrays immediately.

Rest

Rest the injured ankle, avoiding any activity that causes further pain. Meanwhile, you can maintain conditioning with activities that won't stress the joint, such as riding a stationary bicycle, using a rowing machine or swimming with leg floats.

Ice

Apply ice as soon as possible. Ice decreases pain immediately by numbing the skin and reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels. Much of the pain from an injury is caused by swelling from torn blood vessels. Controlling the swelling helps you make a speedier recovery.

It's best to use crushed ice in a watertight bag covered with a thin cloth so it's not too cold against the skin. Apply it for 15 minutes directly over the area of swelling. Longer applications may cause a rebound dilation of the blood vessels and may actually increase swelling.

Apply the ice every four to eight hours as long as the swelling continues (even as long as a week). You can use chemical ice packs, but many experts warn that because they do not melt the same way as ice, they can overcool the ankle and cause a chemical freeze to the skin.

Compression

Compress the swollen area with an elastic bandage. Begin the wrap at the toes and continue it up about four inches above the ankle. If you begin the wrap above the toes, all the swelling is likely to accumulate in the toes.

Don't wrap it so tightly that it causes more pain or cuts off the circulation to your toes. While the elastic wrap can reduce further swelling, it usually doesn't provide enough support to prevent reinjury.

Elevation

Elevate the injured ankle as much as possible, particularly while applying ice; this allows gravity to drain some of the swelling. Place the ankle higher than the knee, the knee higher than the hip and the hip higher than the heart. Use books, a suitcase or a box under the mattress at night; this works better than a pillow.

There is an excellent article with specific treatments at:

http://www.sportsdoctor.com/articles/twi...

HTH!

Answer 4

Yes, most people use crutches after a sprained ankle, he should have told you. Keep ice on it and keep it elevated. Stay off it as much as you can.  

Answer 5

No but you do need to stay off it as much as possible until the pain subsides a little.