First Aid Tips for Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries can range from mildly uncomfortable to painfully debilitating. If you have a serious foot or ankle injury, it’s advisable to see a podiatrist in Sugar Land right away. Podiatrists can diagnose and treat all types of foot injuries, including sprains, strains, lacerations, and fractures. In the meantime, you can use some simple first aid strategies to address your injury.

Following the Rice Method

Podiatrists strongly recommend the RICE method for treating many foot and ankle injuries, including sprains. This method involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. When pain develops in the foot or ankle, it’s important not to make the injury worse by continuing to place weight on the foot. Instead, sit or lie down and keep your foot elevated. You can wrap an Ace bandage gently around the foot and ankle, but be careful not to wrap it too snugly. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time every hour. You can use frozen peas or ice sealed in a plastic bag. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent tissue damage.

Treating Bleeding Wounds

If you sustain a laceration to the foot or ankle, stopping the bleeding is a priority. Press a clean cloth against the wound for a few minutes. Then, clean the wound well with soap and water. Apply sterile gauze or a bandage to the wound, and go to your podiatrist’s office right away.

Removing Foreign Objects

Walking around barefoot or in flimsy shoes raises the risk of foreign object penetration in the foot. You might step on a nail or a shard of glass, for instance. If you discover a very small foreign object embedded in your foot, such as a splinter or sliver, you can usually remove it yourself with tweezers. Be sure to sterilize the injury and place a bandage on it. If you have diabetes, you’ll need to see your foot doctor. You should also seek medical help if the object has penetrated deep into the foot or ankle. Your podiatrist will need to remove the object, as you could risk further damage if you try to do the job yourself.