Going home after your visit
Sprained ankle — advice for you
How to care for a sprained ankle, and the signs that mean you or your child should be checked again.
You have sprained your ankle — the ligaments are stretched or partly torn. There is no broken bone that needs a plaster. Most sprains settle over a few weeks. Please follow the advice below.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Call 999 now if any of these happen
These need an ambulance rather than making your own way in.
- The foot or toes turn numb, pale, blue or cold
- The ankle or foot is badly out of shape and you cannot move the toes or feel the foot
- There is a wound with bone showing, or bleeding you cannot stop
- You have calf pain or swelling together with breathlessness or chest pain
CALL 999 A deformed ankle on its own does not need an ambulance if the foot is warm, pink and you can feel it — go straight to the ED instead.
Get same-day reassessment if any of these happen
Go back to the ED or the urgent treatment centre named above — these do not need an ambulance.
- You cannot put any weight on it, or walk more than a few steps
- You heard a crack or snap when you hurt it
- The ankle looks bent or out of shape, but the foot is warm and pink
- Pain or swelling is severe, or is not improving after a few days
- Days later you get calf pain, swelling, warmth or redness — this can be a clot
- The ankle becomes hot and red and you feel feverish or shivery
For the first 2–3 days
- Rest, but keep gently moving the ankle.
- Put ice wrapped in a cloth on it for 15–20 minutes, a few times a day.
- Use a compression bandage or tubigrip for support during the day.
- Raise the ankle above hip level when resting.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if you can take them.
Getting better
- Start putting weight on it and walking as the pain allows.
- Do gentle ankle moves — draw the alphabet with your toes.
- For the first 3 days avoid Heat, Alcohol, Running and Massage — these add to swelling.
- Most sprains settle in 6–8 weeks.
- Build back up to sport gradually.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a severe breathing or circulation problem
ED / urgent service
A warning sign above that needs same-day reassessment
111
Urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, or you are unsure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team / GP
Use the number and follow-up plan in Your care details above