Do I Need an X-ray After I Sprain my Ankle?
Have you sprained your ankle so bad that it hurts or is bruised so badly that you aren’t sure whether you need to get an x-ray? Here are some helpful tips called the Ottawa Ankle rules that can help determine if getting an x-ray is right for you.
Ottawa Ankle Rules:
An ankle x-ray is required only if there is any pain in the malleolar zone and any of these findings:
▪️ Bone tenderness on the outside portion of the bony part of your ankle
▪️ Bone tenderness on the inside portion of the bony part of your ankle
▪️ Inability to weight bear and take at least 4 steps.
A foot x-ray is required if there is any pain in the midfoot zone and any of these findings:
▫️ Bone tenderness on the outside portion of your 5th toe closer to your heel
▫️ Bone tenderness on the inside portion of the bone closest to your heel and near the arch
▫️ Inability to weight bear and take at least 4 steps
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is not meant to be medical advice but rather information that may help determine whether you may need to seek medical consultation