Ankle Sprain Treatment Near Rio Bravo, TX

If you tripped and rolled your ankle during your morning jog, you might be wondering if your injury requires more than an ice pack and some rest. Most likely, you overstretched a ligament in your ankle, resulting in a sprain. Even a simple sprain can swell, bruise, and cause pain. Sometimes, this type of ligament injury is accompanied by a more serious issue, such as a fracture. Therefore, you will want to find out for sure what is going on, especially if you cannot support any weight on your injured leg. The experienced and friendly providers at VitalMed Urgent Care can get to the bottom of your injury and provide effective sprain treatment if needed.

VitalMed has two walk-in clinics near Rio Bravo, Texas. Our team is available every day during extended hours, and our wait times are typically short. Plus, we accept many health insurance plans and have an affordable rate schedule for our patients who pay out of pocket. For all of these reasons and more, VitalMed is a convenient alternative to an ER when you need immediate but non-emergency healthcare, such as sprain treatment.

How Is a Sprain Treated?

To thoroughly evaluate your injury, your provider at VitalMed will likely order an X-ray, which we can perform on site. If we rule out a fracture and confirm that you have a mild to moderate sprain, we may recommend RICE therapy. This mainstay of sprain treatment involves:

• Rest – Try to avoid movements and activities that cause or worsen your pain. We can show you some simple range-of-motion stretches to promote healing.
• Ice – Apply an ice pack to your injured ankle to reduce painful swelling. You can do so as needed every 1 to 2 hours for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
• Compression – Wear an elastic bandage to support and stabilize your ankle. Wrap the bandage snugly (but not tightly) and loosen or remove it at bedtime.
• Elevation – Prop up your injured ankle during the day and place a pillow underneath it at night. By elevating your injury above heart level, you can help reduce swelling and pain.

For further pain relief, you can take over-the-counter medication as directed. If you are having trouble supporting weight on your ankle, using a cane, crutches, or another walking aid can help.

Most sprains are not serious and heal relatively quickly. Still, it is a good idea to have your injury evaluated by a medical provider. The friendly medical team at VitalMed Urgent Care can help you get back on your feet. For more information, contact us or visit one of our walk-in clinics near Rio Bravo, TX, today.