5 Signs You Should Go To Urgent Care For A Sprained Ankle

Shaking off a sprained ankle can be a breeze for some, but that's only when it's a mild case. If you've been hurt after hiking, a sporting incident, or just feel that your ankle has twisted the wrong way, you might be wondering when it's time to head to urgent care to have it looked at.

Here are some signs that your sprain might be bad enough to require urgent attention.

1. It's Not the First Time

Have you sprained your ankle before? If so, it's probably time to head into urgent care for a closer look. Similar to a dislocated shoulder, the more times you sprain an ankle, the more likely it is to happen again in the future. 

This is due to the ligaments weakening from repeated injuries. You may be referred out to an expert that can help you to strengthen these ligaments to prevent further injuries, or help you to modify exercises so that you put less pressure on the joint.

2. You Feel Like the Tinman

If every movement you make seems to be jagged, there may be more severe damage to your joint. An urgent care clinic can help to immobilize the joint to prevent further damage and let it heal.

3. The Pain Is Getting Worse

Pain is a signal from your body to let you know that something is wrong and, in the case of an ankle sprain, it could indicate there is actually a broken bone. 

If you're experiencing increased pain, go to urgent care and let them know when the pain started to worsen, where it is, and any pain medications you've taken to try to alleviate it.

4. You're Not Sure If It's Healing

Generally, a minor sprained ankle should be fully healed within three weeks. Head into urgent care if you notice that your ankle doesn't seem like it's getting better no matter what you do, as it could indicate there is a deeper problem.

5. You Want to Make Sure It's a Sprain

You might not be able to tell the difference between a broken bone and a sprain since they can feel similar, but urgent care can run X-rays to confirm that nothing is broken.

If you've sprained your ankle, be sure to find an urgent care facility in your area so they can get you started on a treatment plan and put you on the path to recovery. 

For more information on urgent care, contact a company like Western WI Health.