Wrapping a sprained ankle: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Remove the wrap and seek emergency care if your foot remains cold, pale, blue, or numb after the bandage is removed or loosened.

   Also seek emergency help for an obvious deformity, bone through the skin, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe and rapidly worsening pain.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact a healthcare professional promptly if:

   • You cannot put weight on the foot or take several steps
   • Pain is focused directly over an ankle or foot bone
   • Swelling or bruising is extensive or continues to worsen
   • The ankle repeatedly gives way
   • A wound becomes red, hot, swollen, or starts draining
   • You have reduced sensation or known circulation problems
   • Pain and function are not steadily improving

   These concerns are different from the urgent circulation and deformity warning signs above.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for advice about exercises, return to activity, or changing from a wrap to a brace.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wrapping a sprained ankle. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.