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If you're out running, walking, or hiking and twist your ankle, you may wonder if your injury is severe enough to go to the doctor for an evaluation. This can be tricky to decide since a sprained ankle can swell and develop bruises that make your injury look worse than it is.

However, when you have severe pain after an injury, it's a good time to let a doctor evaluate you. Here's when you might need to go to a medical center for an evaluation or treatment after an ankle sprain.

You Can't Bear Weight Without Pain

If your sprain is mild, you can probably still walk on your ankle even if it causes mild discomfort. If your sprain is more severe, you could have such bad pain when you try to walk that you can't bear weight at all. If that's the case, consider going to the doctor.

You can have an X-ray or other imaging test done at the medical center to evaluate the severity of your sprain. You might also need to get fitted for crutches or other mobility aid so you can get around while your ankle is healing.

Swelling Seems Extreme And Painful

You'll probably have some swelling after you sprain your ankle. The swelling might cause a little discomfort since swelling is a cause of pain. Your swelling might get worse by the next morning and cause you concern because it seems extreme. You might also have pain when you press against your swollen ankle.

If you're ever in doubt about the severity of an injury, see a doctor. Your doctor will evaluate you to make sure you don't have a broken bone or torn tissues that need medical treatment. They can also teach you how to treat swelling at home with ice and elevation so you're more comfortable.

You Can't Move Your Ankle Normally

If your ankle is so stiff that you can't turn or rotate it as you normally do, consider going to the medical center so a doctor can check for a broken bone. You might want to go to the medical center right after the injury if you hear a snap when you twist your ankle. However, since swelling and bruising take time to develop, you may not think you need to see a doctor right away.

Even if you don't notice concerning symptoms until late at night or the next day, it's not too late to see a doctor and start on proper care so your ankle can recover quickly and heal properly. 

For more information, visit a clinic like Premier Medical Center.