Can a Sprained Ankle Heal on Its Own?

April 29, 2024

Sprained ankles are a very common injury. They can happen to anyone unexpectedly. You don’t need to be a star athlete to experience a sprained ankle - all it takes is one wrong step to injure your ankle. Although they are common injuries, they can be very painful and often require some time of rest without bearing weight on your ankle to fully heal. If you’re wondering whether you should seek medical care for an ankle injury, keep reading. 

At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, we make it easy to get rapid injury diagnosis and treatment without long wait times. Our clinic accepts walk-in patients and is open 7 days a week. Our team of board-certified medical professionals is trained to diagnose and treat a variety of common injuries, including sprained ankles. Walk into the clinic today, or reserve your spot online in advance. 

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What is a Sprained Ankle?

Sprained ankles are incredibly common injuries. They can happen to anyone, of any age and any activity level. However, they are more common among those who participate in sports. Sprained ankles occur when you take a wrong step, resulting in overextending the ligaments that stabilize your ankle joint. In most cases, sprained ankles are minor injuries. However, the damage to the ligaments can be severe and require advanced treatment.

Do Sprained Ankles Require Medical Treatment?

If you suffer an injury to your ankle, it is important that you seek medical treatment. With any sports injury, it is important to determine the extent of your injury. Not only will this allow you to ensure that your injury doesn’t require further treatment such as surgery to repair, but it will also ensure that you are correctly treating your injury. Sprained ankles can heal on their own if the damage to the ligaments is minor, however, you should seek medical treatment to confirm whether your sprained ankle requires further care or can heal on its own. 

Although sprained ankles usually affect the ligaments that hold your ankle joint in place, your ankle also has a complex system of tendons and muscles that can suffer damage. Treatment for these injuries may vary, depending on the extent of the damage, the exact part of the ankle that is affected, and your general lifestyle. You don’t want to risk re-injury or making your injury worse by taking improper healing steps. 

Walk-In Sprained Ankle Treatment in Bound Brook, NJ

Treatment for a sprained ankle can vary depending on various factors. In most cases, sprained ankles can heal on their own when you follow the correct treatment plan. When you visit urgent care for sprained ankle treatment, your medical provider will carefully evaluate the injury. They may choose to take X-ray images to confirm the extent of the damage and make sure no bones are broken. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our clinic is equipped with a digital X-ray suite which allows us to take detailed images of your injury for a more accurate diagnosis. 

If your injury is mild, your medical provider may provide you with at-home care instructions which may include following the RICE method: rest, ice, compress, and elevate your ankle. However, in some cases, your medical provider may prescribe crutches to keep you off of the joint for a specific period of time to allow it to heal. It is important that you get your injury evaluated by a medical professional to confirm the best method of treatment to ensure that you recover fully and quickly from your injury. 

Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for Walk-In Sprained Ankle Treatment in Bound Brook, NJ

If you’ve experienced an ankle injury, you may have a sprained ankle. Although they are very common injuries, it is important to seek medical care for a sprained ankle. Seeking medical care will ensure that your ankle isn’t broken and that you are taking the necessary steps to promote a quick recovery without risking further damaging your joint. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our clinic offers injury treatment for sprained ankles on a walk-in basis for patients in Bound Brook, NJ. 

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Our clinic has a digital X-ray imaging suite on-site, allowing our medical staff to see the full extent of your injury and provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Based on the extent of your injury, your medical provider will review the treatment necessary to ensure your ankle fully heals. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans and maintains short wait times, making it easy to seek medical care for a sprained ankle when it’s convenient for you. Walk in today. 

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