Ankle Injury

The most common ankle injury is caused by twisting the joint or falling from a height; the injury may be a sprain or a fracture. It can be difficult to determine the extent of the injury until an X-ray has been performed, so treat all ankle injuries as possible fractures to avoid risk of further damage.

The victim may complain of:

• Pain in and around the injured area

• Nausea

• Feeling cold and shivery

• Feeling faint and giddy

• Numbness in the extremities

• Loss of power and function in the joint

Look for:

• Swelling around the joint

What you should do:

• Help the victim into the most comfortable position possible. Avoid moving or touching the injured joint. Help the victim to raise the injured leg slightly on a blanket or rolled-up clothing. If the shoe fits comfortable, leave it in place for support.

• Carefully pad around the ankle joint using a soft pillow or light blanket held in place with two or three bandages.

Important Note:

• Arrange for medical advice as soon as possible. While the diagnosis is unknown, do not give the victim any food or drink in case an anesthetic is needed to treat the injury.