Home care for an ankle injury includes:
- Perform wound care as directed by your doctor.
- Clean the skin gently:
- Use mild soap and water.
- Do not scrub the skin.
- Dry the skin.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Apply a cold compress:
- Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
- Elevate your ankle.
- Above your heart if possible.
- Apply an ACE wrap.
- Re-wrap the ankle every 6 hours.
- Rest the injury.
- Use a walker.
- Use crutches.
- Use a cane.
- Apply an ankle splint.
- The splint may help protect the ankle.
- Ankle exercises
- Start exercises after 3 days.
- Gradually increase your activity over 1-2 weeks.
- Acetaminophen for pain
- Ibuprofen for pain
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
