When should I go to the doctor for ankle pain?

Have severe pain or swelling. Have an open wound or severe deformity. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C) Cannot put weight on your foot.

When should I go to the doctor for a hurt ankle?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

What can a doctor do for ankle pain?

A podiatrist has specific education, training, and experience dealing with injuries, illnesses, and disorders of the foot and ankle. While orthopedic physicians are highly qualified to treat a variety of orthopedic issues that may affect the ankle or foot, a podiatrist has a lot more knowledge on the matter.

What does a torn ligament in the ankle feel like?

If you have torn your ankle ligament, symptoms include: Swelling around your ankle joint. A feeling of instability. Bruising – sometimes up your lower leg and into your foot.

Does an ankle sprain need a doctor?

You probably won't need to see your doctor about a sprain. But give them a call if: Your pain is severe or doesn't get better with over-the-counter medications, elevation, and ice. You can't walk, or you have severe pain when you do.

When should I see a doctor for an ankle sprain

How do I know if my ankle pain is serious?

When should you get an xray for sprained ankle?

It's time to get an X-ray if your child has any of the following symptoms: Tenderness over the bony prominence on either side of the ankle, particularly if it's in the back. Inability to bear any weight for four steps (limping counts as weight-bearing).

Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your ankle?

The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot. Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk. For example, the Posterior Tibialis Tendon runs down the back of the shin, behind the middle bump of the ankle (medial malleolus) and to the bottom of the foot.

What happens if a torn ligament in ankle goes untreated?

This is especially true in sprains that were not treated. If they're left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis.

How can I tell if my ankle is broken or just sprained?

While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly “off,” it's most likely because a bone is broken. Does your ankle feel numb? With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken.

What causes ankle pain without injury?

Osteoarthritis

Instead of the body attacking its own joints, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between two joints wears down and the bones begin to rub against each other. This can lead to sudden ankle pain without injury as the condition develops overtime.

When do you need surgery on your ankle?

Surgery on an ankle may be needed to treat fracture (broken bone), arthritis, tendonitis and problems that can't be resolved with therapy and medications. Surgery for an ankle fracture is done if the bones in the ankle are unstable and need more support to heal.

What is a Grade 2 ankle sprain?

Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Although it feels somewhat stable, the damaged areas are tender to the touch and walking is painful.

Can you walk on a fractured ankle?

Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn't broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you're concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.

Can you move your ankle if it's fractured?

But how do you know if your ankle is broken (fractured) or just sprained? Common folklore says that if you can move it, it isn't broken, but that is not always the case. A broken ankle can be a combination of injuries to your bones and ligaments (the connectors between bones).

What does it mean if it hurts to walk on your ankle?

The most common causes include injury, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around the ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it. Usually, ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications.

How do I know what type of ankle injury I have?

What are the signs of a fractured ankle?

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

How do I know if I tore my ankle ligament?

“A torn ligament is considered a severe sprain that will cause pain, inflammation, bruising and result in ankle instability, often making it difficult and painful to walk.

Can a sprained ankle get worse?

Yes. That's the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

What to do if your ankle hurts when you walk?

How long do sprained ankles last?

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal? The recovery time for a sprained ankle varies depending on the severity of your injury. It may take anywhere from two weeks to heal a minor sprain and anywhere from six to 12 weeks to heal a severe sprain.

What does ankle arthritis feel like?

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

Pain when you move it. Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it. Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling. More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.

Should you wrap a sprained ankle overnight?

Most experts recommend that you only wrap your ankle during the day for support and protection, while you continue to ice, elevate and rest the injury. While some people feel a sense of comfort from a compression wrap at night—unless it provides pain relief, you shouldn't have your ankle wrapped while you sleep.