What Should I Do If My Foot Is Sprained and Swollen?

Spraining an ankle and experiencing swelling is a common occurrence in daily life. When an ankle is sprained, it will show signs of swelling, tenderness when touched, and soft tissue swelling. In severe cases, there may be subcutaneous bruises due to local bleeding. Additionally, there may be limited or abnormal movement due to the swelling. It is recommended that patients promptly visit the hospital for examination and treatment, and to rest regularly and avoid strenuous activities.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Elevate the injured ankle: Have the patient sit down and elevate the injured ankle using items such as pillows, bedding, clothing, or a backpack. Remove shoes and socks.
2. Wrap the ankle: Use elastic bandages to wrap the ankle in a figure-eight pattern. Do not wrap too tightly, allowing enough room to insert a finger.
3. Apply ice: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the sprained area as soon as possible. Ensure that the ice pack does not directly contact the skin.
4. Immobilize the ankle: If there are deformities or abnormal movements in the sprained area, use two pieces of wood or cardboard approximately 30cm long to place on both sides of the injury and immobilize it with bandages (not too tight, just enough to restrict ankle movement).

1. Swelling: Localized tenderness, soft tissue swelling, and subcutaneous bruises due to local bleeding in severe cases.
2. Deformity: Compared to the healthy side, there may be obvious deformity, limited movement, and abnormal movement.

After completing the wrapping and immobilization, promptly check the blood flow to the patient's toes. Pinch the toenail and observe the color change under the nail. If it turns white, release immediately and check if the color returns to a rosy hue. If it does not, the wrapping needs to be redone. After completing these steps, promptly have the patient seek further examination and treatment at the hospital.