Sprained ankle - doctor vs. physiotherapist

Hi all,

Yesterday I sprained my ankle (inversion) pretty bad.. It hurts a lot, and is a bit swollen.
The doctor said it was a sprain and that he did not think it was a broken ankle. He ordered me to rest and try even not stepping on the foot for 10 days.
The physiotherapist, on the other hand, told me to make cold compressions (which the doctor said are useless after the first few hours) and try moving the foot as much as I can without pain, and gradually start stepping on it and walking slowly.. She also said that unless it is a really bad sprain, walking and the feeling of pain is just pain and does not mean the ankle is getting worse.

What should I do? I limp a bit, and it hurts a bit, but I can walk..

Thanks a lot,
Looking forward to hearing your professional opinion,
Ofir.

Take the physio's opinion. If there's no fracture then gentle movement is a good thing. No running, no massage for a week or so but ice is good (10 mins max on, 10 off and another 10 on if you like). Ice is useful in the first 72 hrs but you can continue to use it as long as you like really.

You can use a compression bandage/ankle support in the initial stages to keep it 'protected' by essentially ensuring your brain is aware of the issue. Later the physio can teach you a few balance/proprioceptive retraining exercises which are important.

In terms of the Dr's comments. Well you can rest all you like and do nothing. In the end you'll work out about the same except you will need a check of you balance reactions later and some exercises to fine tune them again if they are out of whack! which is pretty much always the case :)

Thanks a lot! I will do as the physio said and will start using my ankle slowly.
hope it will help. :) Thanks again!