Home Care of Injury to the Ankle and Foot

The ankle and the foot is commonly injured by children when running or playing. Before help arrives, here are some steps to relieve the pain and prepare for transport to a medical facility.

First Aid Aid

• Bleeding: In case there is an injury and it is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
• Penetrating Objects: In case the penetrating object is very small and loosely attached it can be removed but in case the object is firmly in place, do not remove it.
• Sprain or Twist if the Ankle: Apply a cold pack or take some ice cubes in a cloth bag or a towel and place it in the ankle at an interval of 4-5 minutes.
• Apply compression by wrapping the part snugly with an elastic bandage

Keep the injured ankle o foot in an elevated position. The foot may be placed on top of a pillow or cushion.

Rest the injured part most of the time.

Pain and swelling usually begins to improve 2-3 days after the injury. Swelling is gone in 7 days while the pain may persist for 2 weeks

Fracture suspected: If a fracture is suspected and the victim is in great pain (excruciating pain), Do not remove the shoes. Try to immobilise the foot with a pillow or a rolled up blanket or towel.

Use tapes to fix the splint.

Immediately shift to a hospital.