A 47-year-old member asked:
Can lidocaine w/prilocaine-topical cream be used topically over an ankle sprain?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Karl Mangoldanswered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 16 years experience
Technically, yes: But you really shouldn't. Pain is a necessary feedback mechanism to keep you from doing things on an injury that you shouldn't. Numbing the ankle will only make you more liable to injure it more severely. As it is, ankle sprain causes nerve damage to proprioception (position sense) that results in you to twisting your ankle more frequently because the nerve feedback isn't there.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lorry Melnickanswered
Podiatry 47 years experience
Not very effective: It could be used but I have not found it to be effective, as it does not penetrate the skin very well and will not get deep into the tissue. Anti inflamatory medication might be better for pain and swelling.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 13, 2018
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