What it is
Most get better within a few weeks with rest, ice, gentle compression, keeping the area raised and painkillers.
Physiotherapy can help if it is slow to recover. Severe injuries may need a specialist.
Common signs
- Pain, tenderness or weakness
- Swelling or bruising
- Being unable to put weight on the injury or use it normally
- Muscle spasms or cramping
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about the injury and an examination
- Sometimes an X-ray to rule out a broken bone
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Emergency or minor injuries notes
- X-ray reports
- Physiotherapy plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could anything be broken?
- When can I go back to sport?
- Which exercises will help recovery?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Being unable to put any weight on the leg, a limb that looks out of shape, or numbness and a cold, pale limb: go to an emergency department or call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.