4 Effective Home Remedies For A Sprained Ankle

Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle is perhaps the most common type of foot injury that people experience. According to one survey, more than 200,000 Americans are treated for a sprained ankle per day. This type of injury is relatively common in soccer players because the athletes play with only one point of contact, making it easy for them to lose their balance and cause an injury. The most common symptom of the damage is tenderness along the ankle due to swelling. People will often experience bruising, though it may not be present immediately after the sprain occurs. If the person has experienced a fracture in their ankle, immediate pain and discomfort will likely be. If you think you have sprained an ankle and suffered a fracture simultaneously, you should see a specialist in treating a sprained ankle in New York. If you have only suffered a minor sprain, you can treat it at home using any of these measures.

Heat and Cold Therapy

One of the best ways to treat a sprained ankle and relieve pain and discomfort is by applying heat or cold to it. Heat will ease inflammation and increase blood flow. On the other hand, ice can reduce swelling and limit bleeding within the broken tissue. If you suffer from swelling after your injury, you may apply ice for periods of 15 to 20 minutes every hour. Some people may prefer to use heat rather than ice, which is fine. Try to alternate between the two methods to get the most relief possible.

Massage

Massaging the injured ankle is an excellent way to get the blood flowing through your leg again. You can use your hands to massage or get a vibrating foot massager to make it easier and more enjoyable. Blood carries vital nutrients and oxygen, which will help you heal from the sprain. If there is too much swelling in your ankle, you should avoid massaging it because it can be painful or uncomfortable. You can also rub essential oils on your temples or the back of your neck to reduce the stress you feel.

Elevation of Your Ankle

It is also important that you elevate your ankle above your heart during the first 48 to 72 hours following your sprain. This will help drain fluid from the area, which can cause even more severe swelling if it becomes trapped within the tissues. If you have trouble swelling your ankle, try placing a few pillows underneath it to elevate it.

Compression

If you can walk on your sprained ankle, you should bind up the area using an Ace bandage or other similar type of compression. This will support the site and reduce swelling. You don’t want to wrap your ankle too tightly because it can cut off blood flow, delaying healing. For best results, use this method right after your injury and keep it on for a few hours. After that, you can remove the Ace bandage and reapply heat or ice as needed.

In summary, a sprained ankle is a painful and uncomfortable injury that will typically heal in about 2 to 8 weeks. If you fail to give your sprain proper time to heal, you may end up with chronic problems that require the attention of an orthopedic specialist.

Sebastian

Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks