“How many days should you ice a sprained foot?”
I sprained my foot. How many days should you ice a sprained foot?
11 Answers
OrthopedistOrthopedist
After an acute injury, ice should be applied 10 minutes on followed by 30 minutes off for the first 2-3 days to minimize swelling. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist in healing.
It is generally recommended to ice a sprained foot for the first 72 hours after the injury to help reduce swelling and inflammation. However, the amount of time that you should ice a sprained foot can vary depending on the severity of the injury and your individual circumstances. It is important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider and to listen to your body to determine the best course of treatment for your specific injury.
Typically ice and elevate for 20 minutes up to every 2 hours x 3 days. Icing will help to decrease swelling and pain. If there is a lot of bruising and/or the swelling is not getting better, then make sure to get it checked in person and possibly have an xray.
This will vary based on severity of injury. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) ASAP for evaluation and treatment options