Roughly 25,000 people sprain their ankles every day in the United States. While ankle injuries are common, they often leave people wondering what they should do in terms of treatment. Many people wonder if they should seek immediate medical treatment or if it’s something that just takes time and rest in order to recover. These are all valid concerns so it’s important to consider your level of pain and the other symptoms associated with it to determine your next steps. Below you will find helpful information on when to get X-rays for ankle sprains, and when to get emergency medical treatment.
When to Get X-rays for Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains can vary widely in terms of severity. However, it’s important to get your ankle examined by a professional. In some cases, you may even need an X-ray. Below are some helpful indicators that it’s time to get an X-ray.
- Tenderness: Any tenderness over the bony prominence on either side of your ankle, or over the outer or inner edges of the foot is an indication that it’s time for an X-ray.
- Immobility: If you are unable to bear weight for a series of four steps, it’s time to contact a podiatrist. Limping counts as weight-bearing, but it does need to consist of four consecutive steps. Avoid trying to meet that criteria if you experience pain as it can cause further issues.
It is important to note that if there is any bleeding or other serious symptoms, get emergency treatment right away. Additionally, if you experience numbness, tingling, or severe pain, it’s better to be safe. Ankle injuries can be serious so it’s important to get medical attention right away if there are any serious symptoms after your injury.
Problematic Ankle Symptoms
Not all symptoms indicate the need for X-rays. However, you may need to be seen by a medical professional even if you don’t need X-rays. If you experience the following symptoms it’s time to contact a podiatrist.
- Swelling: This is common with ankle injuries but it is not an immediate indicator that you need an X-ray. Swelling usually doesn’t occur immediately and can take a few hours to develop. Swelling usually lasts around 2 days for mild to moderate sprains. However, it can last much longer if you have a severe sprain.
- Bruising: Sprains are commonly accompanied by bruising. It is not an indication of a break, but it can be an indication of a severe sprain and possible tearing of the ligaments. This is why it’s important to get examined by a podiatrist.
X-Rays and Ultrasound
Certain symptoms indicate the need for an X-ray. If your podiatrist has recommended getting an X-ray or ultrasound, it’s important to do so. X-rays are useful for identifying if your injury is a break or fracture. It can also help with problems with your alignment or joints, bone spurs, and more. An ultrasound is effective in examining the soft tissues throughout your feet and ankles. X-rays and ultrasound in Palmdale provide helpful information to your podiatrist as it helps them determine an effective treatment plan.
Podiatry in Palmdale
If you have injured your ankle, avoid putting off getting medical help. Foot and ankle injuries can negatively impact your daily life. They can also lead to serious issues with your gait as ankle issues can impact your knees, hips, and back if not addressed early on. The team at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. have created effective treatment plans for those with foot and ankle injuries. They are the top location for podiatry in Palmdale so contact their office to schedule an appointment!
