Almost all of us in Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, or Weston have experienced a rolled ankle at some point in our lives. Some mild, some severe, none of which were fun. Many don’t require professional attention, but for those that do, avoiding a visit to a podiatry specialist can make the situation worse! Here’s what to do if it happens to you:
Imagine you’re walking out of a supermarket in Pembroke Pines, playing basketball in Weston, or engaged in something much more heroic in Davie, and BAM… You roll your ankle, collapsing to the pavement. You immediately experience pain in your ankle and find yourself unable to stand while putting any considerable weight on that side. Here’s What to Do…
If the shoe you’re wearing is similar to most average, ankle-high, fully covered shoes (like a sneaker or most walking shoes), leave it on. Do not take your shoes and socks off after an ankle roll in Miramar or anywhere else. They provide a temporary splint or compression device that reduces swelling and will aid in recovery and future soreness.
When you get to a location where you can rest, elevate the injured leg to the level of your heart and place ice (wrapped in a towel) over the foot and ankle in Davie, Pembroke Pines, or wherever you might be. Apply the ice for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Doing this repeatedly for the first few hours will also reduce swelling and soreness. Remember, never place ice directly on the skin.
After the first hour or so, attempt to stand in place and slowly transfer weight to the injured side. If drastic improvements are noted in the first few hours in Weston or your locality, there’s a good chance that resting and using a compressive ankle device for 2-4 weeks is all that you need. If, on the other hand, 6–12 hours have passed and the pain remains severe, contact our office in Pembroke Pines or your nearest foot and ankle specialist in Miramar, Davie, or Weston and schedule a visit. If you are unable to get an appointment within 24 hours, go to an urgent care center or an ER, where, at the very least, an X-ray will be taken. You may have an unstable ankle injury that requires cast immobilization and/or surgery.
There are instances when structural damage occurs during an injury, but the patient is still able to bear weight. In this case, follow the above guidelines. If your initial pain of 3/10 (for example) remains constant after the first few days in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Davie, or Weston, seek medical attention. The symptoms should resolve with each passing day.
Remember, these are only guidelines.
Every person and injury is unique, especially in the diverse communities of Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, and Weston. Contact our office with any further questions.
Dr. Adam Oxios, DPM
The Podiatry Doctors
(954) 450-4200
