Real English Conversation - 28 : Emergency care
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Alec: I think I sprained my ankle, it hurts a lot.
Nurse: Let me take a look and see what we can do. It looks like you have a sprain, we'll get you some ice and elevate your foot to help with the swelling.
Alec: Thank you. How long will it take to heal?
Nurse: It depends on the severity of the sprain, but usually a few weeks to a few months. You may want to take some over-the-counter pain medication to help with the pain.
Alec: Okay, I'll do that. Will I need crutches?
Nurse: It depends on how severe the sprain is, but we can give you some crutches just in case.
Alec: Can I still walk on it?
Nurse: You should try to stay off of it as much as possible, but it's okay to walk on it if you have to.
Alec: Should I see a specialist?
Nurse: It's not always necessary, but if your pain doesn't improve or if you have trouble walking, you may want to see an orthopedist. You'll need to come back for a follow-up appointment to make sure it's healing properly.
Alec: Okay, I'll do that. Can I still exercise?
Nurse: It's best to avoid high-impact exercise until your ankle is fully healed. If you notice any changes in your pain or swelling, call us immediately.
Alec: Will do.
What is the first thing the nurse suggests to Alec?
How long does it typically take for an ankle sprain to heal?
Should Alec avoid high-impact exercise while his ankle is healing?
When should Alec see an orthopedist?
What should Alec do if he notices any changes in his pain or swelling?
