ANKLE SPRAINS:

When to Seek Medical Care

Usually, an ankle sprain itself does not call for a trip to the doctor. The problem is how to tell a sprain from a more serious injury such as a fracture. If any of the following occur, you should contact your doctor:

Pain is uncontrolled, despite of over-the-counter medications, elevation, and ice.
Unable to walk or cannot walk without severe pain.
The ankle fails to improve within five to seven days. The pain need not be gone, but it should be improving.
A follow-up visit one to two weeks after the injury is advisable to help with flexibility and strengthening exercises.