Ankle Sprain: discharge advice

You have been treated for an ankle sprain; this leaflet explains how to look after your ankle at home.

What is a sprain?

Sprains are painful injuries to the joints resulting in the partial or complete tearing of ligaments.

How is a sprain treated?

For the first 24 hours, keep the injured limb raised on two pillows while lying down. Apply ice bags for up to 20 to 30 minutes, about every 2 hours while awake, to the injured area for the first 24 hours. Place the ice or frozen peas in a plastic bag with a towel around it to prevent frostbite to the skin. Then continue as advised by the Emergency Department doctor or nurse.

You may take Paracetamol every 6 hours or Ibuprofen (if you have no allergies or sensitivities to this or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) every 8 hours for pain or discomfort. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen may be taken together in normal dosages. You may take other pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor or emergency nurse practitioner. Talk to your GP if you are concerned about taking painkillers.

If a bandage (stretchy, tubigrip or elastic wrapping bandage) has been applied today, remove and reapply every 3 to 4 hours. Apply firm enough to keep swelling down. Do not apply tightly, and remove at night.

How to get in touch

• If you are still in pain beyond this, please also discuss your follow up care with your GP.
• If you are very concerned then you may attend the A and E department however at this time we advise that you do this only if you are very concerned and it is an emergency. The A and E department will be occupied with patients requiring lifesaving treatment and it is important to allow these patients to access the care they need.