Ankle sprains are a very common injury that can happen at any time. Whether you’re playing a sport or going for a simple job, there is risk for your ankle to be sprained. It may be difficult to distinguish whether your ankle injury is sprained. Generally, sprained ankles cause a moderate deal of pain and swelling. This blog will explore the various signs of a sprained ankle and outline treatment options.

For acute injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Louisville. Our board-certified medical providers can treat a wide range of injuries, including sprained ankles. The clinic is open seven days a week and never requires appointments! 

What are the signs of a sprained ankle?

When an ankle injury occurs, there is a chance of either a sprain or fracture. There are a few signs that indicate an ankle sprain, including the level of pain that is felt in the area. A sudden, intense feeling of pain in your ankle can indicate a sprain, especially after putting weight on it. Pain levels can vary from person to person depending on the severity of the sprain. Furthermore, swelling typically occurs within a few hours after an ankle has been sprained. It’s possible that you may feel a warm sensation on your ankle. 

Sprained ankles often show a fair amount of bruising that can worsen overtime. The injury can cause the blood vessels in your ankle to break, which leads to black and blue bruising to occur. If you’ve sprained your ankle, you will find it difficult to move and walk. Stiffness is common, and may make it seemingly impossible to move your ankle in certain angles without intense pain.

How are sprained ankles diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you may have a sprained ankle, it’s important to seek medical attention. A proper diagnosis of your ankle injury can further help determine the root cause of pain– whether it’s a sprain or a fracture. Ankle sprains are diagnosed with digital x-rays. Digital imaging systems will be able to fully diagnose the sprain, rather than just the main cause. With digital x-rays, your physician will be able to zoom in and out to get even the smallest cracks and tears. Early diagnosis can help prevent further injury or chronic pain, and help you recover quickly. 

What injuries can urgent care centers treat?

Urgent care centers specialize in treating acute injuries. By visiting an urgent care clinic with your acute injury, you will be able to have it x-rayed and treated in less time and for a fraction of the cost of emergency care. 

At AFC Louisville, we can treat:

• Breaks and fractures
• Sprains
• Muscle strains
• Cuts and lacerations requiring stitches
• Bumps and bruises
• Sunburn
• Tendon injuries

Visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville for acute injury treatment 

To get same-day care for your acute injury, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Louisville for professional help. Our medical providers can examine your condition, diagnose your injury, and offer the best treatment recommendations. If you have further questions about sprained ankles, or other services our center provides, please call our office directly at (720) 961-9700.