A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments, the tissues connecting bones in the joint, are stretched or torn beyond their normal limits. This common injury often results from an awkward twist, roll, or fall. While it is possible to put some weight on a sprained ankle, doing so is not recommended and can worsen the injury.
Assessing Your Ankle Injury
Assessing an ankle injury involves observing key indicators of its severity. Pain is a primary symptom, and its intensity, along with tenderness, can offer clues. Swelling and bruising around the affected area are also common signs, with more significant swelling correlating with a more severe sprain.
Your ability to bear weight on the injured foot is an important indicator. If you can put some weight on the ankle, even with discomfort, it might suggest a milder sprain (Grade 1), where ligaments are stretched with minimal tearing. A Grade 2 sprain, involving a partial tear of ligaments, presents with more pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.
Evaluating your range of motion can also be helpful. A limited ability to move your ankle in different directions, coupled with pain, can indicate a more pronounced injury. While these observations provide a preliminary understanding, they are not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis.
When Walking is Not Advisable
Walking on a sprained ankle can delay healing and lead to further complications. Even with a mild sprain, continuing to bear weight can aggravate stretched or partially torn ligaments, increasing inflammation and pain. This can extend the recovery period and prevent injured tissues from mending properly.
Specific signs suggest avoiding any weight-bearing activity on the injured ankle. If you experience extreme pain, an inability to put any weight on the ankle, or notice a visible deformity, it could indicate a more severe injury, such as a Grade 3 sprain (completely torn ligaments) or a bone fracture. Attempting to walk under these circumstances can worsen ligament damage, lead to chronic ankle instability, or contribute to early onset arthritis. Chronic instability can result in recurrent sprains, as weakened ligaments are less able to support the joint.
Immediate Care and Professional Medical Advice
Immediate care for a sprained ankle should follow the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the ankle means avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort, allowing injured ligaments to begin healing. Applying ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during waking hours can help reduce swelling and pain.
Compression with an elastic bandage can help control swelling, but it should not be wrapped so tightly as to hinder circulation. Elevating the injured ankle above the level of your heart, especially during the first 24 hours, also helps minimize swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can manage pain and inflammation.
Seeking professional medical attention is advisable if symptoms do not improve within a few days of home care. Consult a doctor if you experience intense pain that does not lessen with over-the-counter medication, are unable to bear any weight on the ankle for several days, or notice significant swelling and bruising. A doctor can perform a physical examination, which may include gently pressing around the ankle to identify injured ligaments and assessing range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays may be ordered to rule out a fracture, as severe sprains can present with similar symptoms to a broken bone.