Getting an ankle sprain is an extremely common accordance that happens to all ages. Depending on how severe the sprain is you may ask do you need crutches for a sprained ankle? We will answer this question and explain the grades a sprained ankle can be in terms of damage and pain.
So, do you need crutches for a sprained ankle? This will depend on how severe the sprain is. If you find it difficult to walk without help then you should consult with your doctor to determine if cutches would be the right move for you. Crutches could be exactly what you need in terms of taking pressure off of the injured ankle to help with pain relief and healing.
- Could your injure your ankle further if you do not use crutches?
- Sprained Ankle Grade Classification & Symptoms
- 3 Grades of ankle sprains
- Should you see your doctor about a sprained ankle?
- How to walk on crutches with a sprained ankle
- How long after a sprained ankle can you walk without crutches?
- Do you need crutches for a sprained foot?
- How to get crutches for a sprained ankle?
- Our final thoughts on needing crutches for a sprained ankle
Could your injure your ankle further if you do not use crutches?
Yes. This is the condensed answer. Ankle injuries and sprains are often not treated well and often treatment is ignored. Walking on a sprained ankle can lead to a greater risk of injury and worsening condition.
This can cause prolonged pain and swelling. Always take the time to rest to help heal any sprains you have. When you need to move around crutches can help to reduce the pressure and weight of your body.
You should always get a doctor’s opinion before doing any exercise or walking when you have hurt your ankle knees or any other body part.
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Sprained Ankle Grade Classification & Symptoms
When you sprain an ankle you can feel some discomfort at different levels in terms of pain and discomfort. This happens when you tear or stretch ligaments in your ankle causing pain or even the inability to walk without limping.
What are the symptoms of a sprained ankle?
There are some clear signs that you have sprained your ankle. If you have these symptoms you might have sprained your ankle.
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Hurts to the touch
- Stiffness
- Numb feet
3 Grades of ankle sprains
Depending on the severity of your sprain it can range from three different grades. From minor to severe. When you see your doctor he or she will grade the sprain based on damage. These 3 grades are as follows:
- Grade 1 Sprain: You will feel a slight swollen feeling and a little sore. Typically only the ligaments have been slightly stretched but not torn.
- Grade 2 Sprain: You now have a small or partial tear in the ligament. This will cause further swelling and pain than a grade 1 sprain. Bruising may happen and it will be difficult to put full weight on the ankle.
- Grade 3 Sprain: You now have a small or partial tear in the ligament. This will cause further swelling and pain than a grade 1 sprain. Bruising may happen and it will be difficult to put full weight on the ankle.
Should you see your doctor about a sprained ankle?
There are around 2 million people who sprain their ankles each year. But the majority do not seek out medical help. But when should you see a doctor when you sprain your ankle?
In the most severe cases when there are grade 3 sprains involved When there is a lot of swelling and bruising and there is severe pain when you try and put weight on the ankle it may be time to consult your doctor. You may need to refrain a month or more from running or other athletics that could cause further damage.
Most ankle sprains heal on their own with basic care. Rest your leg when possible. Do not put a lot of pressure on your ankle or a walking boot may be needed along with crutches when ankle injuries are bad.
How to walk on crutches with a sprained ankle
There are right and wrong ways to use crutches. Both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing ways need to be used when using crutches during a sprained ankle.
We have created an in-depth guide on how to properly use crutches. You will learn the correct ways to use crutches while walking, going up and down stairs the correct way.
How long after a sprained ankle can you walk without crutches?
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The majority of grade 1 ankle sprains will have healed after a two-week time span. After this time frame, you should be able to put weight on the ankle even with some slight pain most can still walk and get around.
When ligaments are torn and the grade sprain goes up to 2 or 3 then this can take weeks and even months to completely heal. Walking on crutches may be needed for some time until you can put weight back on your ankle.
Do you need crutches for a sprained foot?
Crutches can be used for a foot injury, ankle injury, and knee injuries when you need to remove weight from the injury. Crutches can also be used to take all the weight off of an injured leg as well.
There are two different ways you can walk with crutches. weighted and non-weighted. If your foot is injured and you have difficulties walking then crutches can be used when you hurt your foot.
Be sure to consult with your doctor on any injury and speak to them about using crutches as a means to gain mobility back until you heal enough to walk on your own.
How to get crutches for a sprained ankle?
Crutches can be purchased in many different places. From Walmart, Lowes, Rite Aid, And Crutches Amazon crutches can be purchased easily. Crutches are also one of the most inexpensive types of mobility aids in terms of price.
Remember to purchase crutches that fit you. Almost all crutches can be adjusted and they should be the correct size when using them or you can cause more damage to yourself.
Most crutches cost between $30 to $ 60 dollars with forearm crutches costing a lot more.
Our final thoughts on needing crutches for a sprained ankle
If you have injured your ankle and cannot properly walk because of pain then you may need to visit your doctor to confirm how bad your injury is and if you need crutches to help you walk again until you heal.
Ankle injures can take anywhere from a few weeks or more depending on how severe the injury is. If you can spend time off your feet it will promote healing quicker, but when you cannot crutches may be needed.
Crutches are one of the cost-effective ways to help with mobility and can be purchased relatively cheaply online and at big retail locations.