Most sprained ankles and wrists settle in a couple of weeks with sensible care. A few are something more: a fracture, a torn ligament or a tendon injury. The first 48 hours give you most of the clues.
Questions to ask yourself
Can you put weight on it and take four steps? Did you hear or feel a crack at the time? Is there bruising that spreads, numbness, or pain over the bone itself rather than the soft tissue? Any of these is a reason to be seen sooner.
What helps in the first two days
Keep the joint moving within comfort, support it if it feels unstable and elevate it when resting. Avoid long walks on a swollen ankle. If swelling is increasing at 48 hours or you still cannot walk normally, book a sports injury assessment ($195, 50 minutes), where we can scan on site if needed.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If something is worrying you, request a visit or call (604) 555-0142.