Should I use crutches if I sprained my ankle?

Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area for 48 to 72 hours, so you may need to use crutches. A splint or brace also may be helpful initially. But don’t avoid all activity. Even with an ankle sprain, you can usually still exercise other muscles to minimize deconditioning.

How long should you use crutches for a sprained ankle?

Use crutches. Do not walk or stand on the injured leg for at least three days. After three days, start gradual weight bearing. If the ankle hurts, back off from bearing weight.

What is the best support for a sprained ankle?

Compression. Compression helps decrease swelling and provides stability to your ankle by immobilizing it. You should apply a compression bandage as soon as a sprain occurs. Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage, such as an ACE bandage, and leave it on for 48 to 72 hours.

What can I buy for a sprained ankle?

In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) — are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.

Can I use a cane instead of crutches?

0 can give you the combined support of a crutch with the mobility of a cane. Injuries below the knee are suitable for hands-free crutches, whereas a cane would be more appropriate for permanent leg injuries and above-the-knee or hip-related issues.

Do you need crutches for a Grade 3 sprained ankle?

Rest: All ankle sprains require rest. The length of time will depend on the grade of sprain. Your doctor can help you with a timeline. You may need to use crutches if it hurts to put weight on your foot.

How long should I wear an ankle support after a sprain?

Your doctor might give you a cast, boot, or brace to wear. This will keep the ligaments and joint in place while they heal. It limits motion, provides protection, and helps reduce pain. You may need to wear it for 2 to 6 weeks.

Should I use a walker or crutches?

Crutches are the most popular mobility option if you have an injured leg. Still, you may want a better alternative if you’re not really eager to have to deal with limited mobility and armpit and wrist fatigue. The consensus is clear that knee walkers are a modern and superior alternative to crutches.

Is a walking stick better than a crutch?

Injuries below the knee are suitable for hands-free crutches, whereas a cane would be more appropriate for permanent leg injuries and above-the-knee or hip-related issues.

Can I walk on a sprained ankle with crutches?

Because walking with a sprained ankle might be painful, you may need to use crutches until the pain subsides. Depending on the severity of the sprain, your doctor may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape or an ankle support brace to stabilize the ankle.

Can you take ibuprofen for a sprained ankle?

In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) — are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle. Because walking with a sprained ankle might be painful, you may need to use crutches until the pain subsides.

What to do for a sprained ankle?

Sprained ankle 1 Self-care. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. Ice. 2 Medications. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB,… 3 Devices. Because walking with a sprained ankle might be painful,… 4 Therapy. Once the swelling and pain is lessened enough to resume movement,…

Do I need a cast for a sprained ankle?

In the case of a severe sprain, a cast or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle while it heals. Once the swelling and pain is lessened enough to resume movement, your doctor will ask you to begin a series of exercises to restore your ankle’s range of motion, strength, flexibility and stability.