Question 1

you sprained your ankle and are told to take ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation. what is the mechanism of action for this drug?

Accepted Answer

Ibufrofen, an NSAID,: Is an anti-inflammatory medication.  Its nature is to calm down inflammation.  Ankle sprains need ice and antiinflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen in the 1st 24-48 hours to combat swelling and inflammation, then heat afterwards to improve mobility.  Add on compression in the way of ankle support and that is the basis for treatment for mild to medium sprains.

Question 2

what is the best treatment for a sprained ankle i've tried using a bag of ice i've also taken ibuprofen and have also tried heat with little effect ?

Accepted Answer

RICE: Initially, recommendations are to decrease the swelling with rest, ice, compression (like and ace bandage or foam) and elevation of the feet.  Heat increases the swelling and will probably increase the pain until the swelling has gone down.  Strengthening exercises once the swelling is down include writing the abc's with your ankle.  You should also consider wearing a brace for risky activities.

Question 3

i have sprained ankle how often can i take  ibuprophen  800?

Accepted Answer

4 x per day: But if you need that much, there are better medications to take.  (3200mg/day max).

Question 4

i have an ankle sprain that hasn't healed.  can motrin help?

Accepted Answer

See orthopedist: If you have an ankle sprain that has been painful for several weeks and is not improving i would recommend seeing an orthopedist.  An evaluation and appropriate tests will help determine if there is internal damage that may require physical therapy or other forms of treatment.

Question 5

7 weeks after a sprained ankle, the skin on my foot turns bright red after showering (no swelling/inflammation, not painful). what causes this?

Accepted Answer

See below: The heat from the water causes the blood vessels to expand and this will create increased blood flow and a red look to the skin

Question 6

how long does a high ankle sprain take to heal ? it happened 2 weeks ago , i have been icing, elevating. and taking ibuprofen and it's in pain.

Accepted Answer

High sprain: You need to see a podiatrist or orthopod - it takes more than ice to heal one of these.

Question 7

if a person with a mild to medium sprained ankle does no treatment but waits 2 weeks, will the result be the same as if he had iced & taken motrin?

Accepted Answer

Most likely: In most cases, a sprained ankle will heal no matter what you do or don't do.  Ice and Motrin can help with the discomfort, but typically they do not change the outcome.

Question 8

2nd severe ankle sprain on same ankle. wearing a boot day and night, using crutches, tried ice, ibuprofen. still having severe pain even when at rest?

Accepted Answer

Ankle pain: Have you had X-ray done?  Consultation with an orthopedist may be indicated, and MRI might be necessary to evaluate it further.

Question 9

severe ankle sprain in soft cast during the day or bandage for home, i take it off to sleep. how long before i can let the crutches go and walk on it?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Without a proper exam, it's hard to say. Sprain treatment can range from a few weeks of compression to months of casting or even surgery. The best person to ask is the doctor treating you, whether it be an orthopedist or podiatrist. If you don't allow adequate healing time, you risk an unstable ankle.

Question 10

i was put in an air cast today due to a severe ankle sprain. am i supposed to take it off when i go to bed or leave it on until i follow up with ortho?

Accepted Answer

As much as possible: Wear it as much as possible. Obviously you will need to intermittently take it off. When taking it off, best to do so when not walking. Keep elevated as much as is feasible. Ice 3-4x/day. Hope this helps!

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Doctor answers about:

You sprained your ankle and are told to take ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation

A member asked:

You sprained your ankle and are told to take ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation. what is the mechanism of action for this drug?

A member asked:

What is the best treatment for a sprained ankle i've tried using a bag of ice i've also taken ibuprofen and have also tried heat with little effect ?

A member asked:

I have sprained ankle how often can i take ibuprophen 800?

A member asked:

I have an ankle sprain that hasn't healed. can motrin help?

A member asked:

7 weeks after a sprained ankle, the skin on my foot turns bright red after showering (no swelling/inflammation, not painful). what causes this?

A member asked:

How long does a high ankle sprain take to heal ? it happened 2 weeks ago , i have been icing, elevating. and taking ibuprofen and it's in pain.

A member asked:

If a person with a mild to medium sprained ankle does no treatment but waits 2 weeks, will the result be the same as if he had iced & taken motrin?

A member asked:

2nd severe ankle sprain on same ankle. wearing a boot day and night, using crutches, tried ice, ibuprofen. still having severe pain even when at rest?

A member asked:

Severe ankle sprain in soft cast during the day or bandage for home, i take it off to sleep. how long before i can let the crutches go and walk on it?

A member asked:

I was put in an air cast today due to a severe ankle sprain. am i supposed to take it off when i go to bed or leave it on until i follow up with ortho?

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