[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/when-to-see-doctor-for-sprained-ankle\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/when-to-see-doctor-for-sprained-ankle\/","headline":"When to See a Doctor About a Sprained Ankle","name":"When to See a Doctor About a Sprained Ankle","description":"Mild to severe sprains that are not treated can cause serious health issues. Learn more about finding the care you need. ","datePublished":"2017-07-02","dateModified":"2020-07-07","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/when-to-see-doctor-for-sprained-ankle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/when-to-see-doctor-for-sprained-ankle.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/when-to-see-doctor-for-sprained-ankle\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":292,"keywords":["ankle health","ankle sprain","healing sprains","sprain treatment"],"articleBody":"You are climbing the stairs with a basket of laundry when your foot slips. Your heel rises as your toes curl inward, and your ankle twists.When seeking medical attention for your sprained ankle, consult UPMC CareFinder. You can find UPMC Urgent Care centers, Emergency Departments, Walk-In Primary Care, and Children’s Express Care. You can even start an online visit with UPMC AnywhereCare.About 25,000 adults in the United States sprain an ankle every day. Most often sprained ankles heal on their own with simple rest and ice. However, mild to severe sprains that are not treated can cause serious health issues. Seeking care from a doctor or even an emergency room can help keep the ankle healthy and flexible.RELATED: Treatment and Recovery for Broken AnklesSeeking Care for an Ankle InjurySerious sprains often have symptoms similar to those of a broken bone. An audible “pop” followed by intense pain, or deformity of your ankle, might mean that you have a broken bone, and you should visit the emergency room immediately.Urgent care centers can treat sprained ankles, which include the following symptoms:Swelling and\/or bruising around the ankleIncreased pain when the area is moved or pressure is appliedTotal loss of function of the ankle or complete inability to standTenderness to the touchInstability of ankle when standingTreating a Sprained Ankle at HomeSome ankle sprains heal on their own following the simple R.I.C.E. method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.If the pain subsides immediately after the sprain and the ankle is mobile, home care may be possible. Monitor the sprain carefully over 24 to 48 hours. If none of the above sprain symptoms are present, your ankle may have healed on its own."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"When to See a Doctor About a Sprained Ankle","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/when-to-see-doctor-for-sprained-ankle\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]