The ankle is a joint where the bones of the legs and the feet meet. These bones are kept in place by ligaments.

A sprain occurs when the ligaments are suddenly stretched or torn.

Signs

• Pain or tenderness.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Not able to move the ankle well.

Your Care

Your doctor may want you to:

• Have an x-ray.
• Wear a splint or an ace wrap to support the injured ankle.
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine.
• Keep your foot raised above the level of your heart for the first 2 days. This will reduce swelling and pain.
• Put ice on the injured ankle for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• Avoid putting weight on your foot for as long as your doctor tells you. Slowly begin putting weight on the injured ankle as you are able.
• Use crutches or a cane until you can stand on your ankle without having pain.

Call your doctor right away if your:

• Bruising, swelling or pain gets worse.
• Toes below the injury feel cold when you touch them, are numb or blue.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

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Ankle Sprain. Arabic.