How do you know when you have a sprain or have twisted something?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I admit I am rather anti-doctor’s visits (note this does not mean anti-doctor!) and hate going through all the trouble to get to see mine. So I’ve never had a sprain or anythihng formally diagnosed.

I think I did something to my foot yesterday, though. But I don’t recall hurting it specifically. I do recall running around a lot.

Now it feels like a tight sort of band wrapped around the middle of it. Like the muscle is stretched taut or something. And I can’t put my full weight on it. It feels like if whatever is holding it tight would only just let go, I’d feel better. And I’ve tried to lean on it a bit. But it won’t let go.

How do I have any idea of this is a mild sprain? Is this what they feel like? Dopers? And no, I probably won’t go to the doctor. I see no need, really. I’ll take two Advil and deal with it.

2

I don’t think you need to see a doctor. I went dancing a few weeks ago and experienced something similar. After a few days, it went away. Now, if it doesn’t go away within a week or starts to get worse, then I would recommend a doctor.

3

I’ve had a couple dozen ankle sprains, and in every case I knew right away that something was wrong. There were also a few turned-ankle moments that didn’t hurt more than a day or two. I never had a sprain that didn’t hurt instantly.

Rest
Ice (as soon as possible)
Compression (Ace bandage)
Elevation (at least as high as your heart)

4

IANAD, but I play one in the garage.

The only time I had to go to the Doctor for something like this it looked bad. It wasn’t blue exactly, but it was discolored. Other people looked at it and had to supress the vomit.