What to Expect

You may be referred to an orthopedic (bone) doctor. Until that visit:

• You will need to keep your cast or splint on at all times and keep your foot raised as much as possible.
• Do not put any weight on your injured ankle or try to walk on it.

Home Care

Home care for ankle pain depends on the cause and what other treatment or surgery has taken place. You may be asked to:

• Rest your ankle for several days. Try NOT to put much weight on your ankle.
• Put on an ACE bandage. You also can buy a brace that supports your ankle.
• Use crutches or a cane to help take the weight off a sore or unsteady ankle.

When to Contact a Medic

Go to the hospital if:

• You have severe pain even when you are NOT bearing weight.
• You suspect a broken bone (the joint looks deformed and you cannot put any weight on the leg).
• You can hear a popping sound and have immediate pain of the joint.

Causes

Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain.

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which connect bones to one another.

• In most cases, the ankle is twisted inward, causing small tears in the ligaments. The tearing leads to swelling and bruising, making it difficult to bear weight on the joint.