If there is any damage to the ligament that is attached with the bone then it is known as sprain. Ankle sprain mainly occurs when a person’s foot rolls on to one side excessively and the weight of the body is on that leg. An ankle sprain usually involves damage on the ligaments that is outside of the ankle. The pain and swelling in this disease is really troubling and the severity of this disease has been classified into three grades.
The second and third grade ligament tear might involve a surgery to cure it completely. But a grade one sprain can easily be treated at home. Ankle is a very delicate part of the human body and it supports the whole weight of our body when we stand or walk.
An ankle comprises of muscles, ligaments and bones. Ankle is strong enough to hold a person’s weight but it is delicate enough to be injured very easily. These injuries can occur while tripping over, running, and even walking. There are a lot of remedies that can alleviate the swelling and pain sitting in the comfort of your home.
9 Ways To Treat A Sprained Ankle
Visit A doctor
As soon as you get to know that you have sprained your ankle. You must try to get up on your feet at once. You do not have to walk normally. The next thing that you must do is to have someone help you to a doctor’s place. If the doctor diagnoses the sprain as severe then you might have to wear braces or crutches for the support of the leg. But in any case you must see the doctor first to rule out a fracture. An x-ray will help you and the doctor to diagnose this problem clearly.
Immobilize The Ankle
If you want to cure the ankle sprain then you must immobilize the affected leg at once. You must keep that leg from unnecessary movement. You can use a brace, wrap your ankle or wear a splint, athletic or elastic wrap. These are easily fund in the drug stores. When wrapping your ankle you must begin winding the wrap under the arch of the foot. Then let the wrap pass over the ankle joint and then finally secure the bandage two inches above the sprain.
This bandage will help in supporting the ankle and will also help in reducing the swelling and pain. The bandage must be tight enough for it to properly hold the ankle. But it must not be too tight otherwise it will stop the circulation and make your leg numb. Loosen the strap of bandage if you are feeling uneasy. If your ankle is swollen and painful then you must not walk at all. Elevation is recommended during the first 48 hours of your sprain. If walking on your own is very painful then take the help of a stick r crutches for better support.
Ice Pack
You can always apply an ice pack on the affected area to help in reducing the pain and swelling. You can keep the bandage away when you are resting in bed. Now, place an ice pack on the injury of your ankle. Let the ice pack sit for at least 10 minutes. If you feel too cold and cannot keep the ice pack for long then apply a thin cloth over the affected area and then place the ice pack.
Types Of Medications
There are anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin that will help in alleviating the pain and swelling from the sprained ankle. If you are visiting a doctor then he will definitely prescribe a medication for the severe pain and swelling.
Effects Of Heat Rubs
You can also use heat rubs on the sprained ankle. There are a lot of medicated heat rubs like deep heat, tiger balm, icy hot etc. These heat rubs are very good medication for healing the sprained ankle easily. These heat rubs contain herbs that will penetrate deep in the skin and soft tissues and rovide relief from pain.
Rest And Elevation
If you have sprained an ankle then you must rest completely. Resting is an important part in the healing process. Well, this does not mean that you will have to avoid all kinds of physical activity. However, when you are resting always try and elevate your affected leg above the level of your heart. Elevating the hurt ankle will allow the fluid from building up and will reduce the swelling.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a product that must be available at your hand’s reach always. This is one home remedy that will never go wrong. Take a piece of brown paper and soak it properly with vinegar. Put this wet bag on the affected area of your ankle. This is a very old but effective remedy.
Hot Water Soak
If you do not want to soak your feet in the ice water or put an ice pack, then you can also try to soak your foot in hot water mixed with Epsom salt. This Epsom salt bath can do wonders for the sprained ankle. Take a big bucket, preferably a mop bucket and fill it with hot water.
Always ensure that the bucket has enough water to cover the foot completely. Add a handful of Epsom salt in water and then slowly soak your ankle inside it.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a cross friction technique and is specially meant for the sprained ankle. If you can get a sports massage done on the affected area then you will help to speed up the treatment. It also aids in preventing a scar on the foot. But you will have to wait for at least 48 to 72 hours before you can get yourself a massage. The first 72 hours are very serious and you will have to be gentle when handling your foot. A massage can only be done on the ankle when the actual danger has passed away.
You will first have to make sure that there is no fracture, skin infection, acute ligament tear or an open wound on your sprained ankle. There must be no tendon rupture etc. If these problems are present then you must avoid taking a foot massage. The person suffering from an ankle sprain must be seated at a comfortable position. Stretch your hurt feet towards the masseur gently. This will get ligaments in a stretched position. Use a single finger and apply a direct and deep pressure on the hurt ankle. You must start the massage a little away from the sprain area and then go gradually towards. While massaging you must feel the ligament beneath your hands.
