How to treat your sprained ankle
If you haven’t sprained your ankle at least once before, you’re among the fortunate few. As for the rest of us, we’ve all experienced the discomfort it causes, especially while attempting to move or walk.
An ankle sprain occurs when one of the ligaments that surround and link the bones of the leg to the foot is injured as a result of an incorrect twist or rotation of the ankle, resulting in a stretch or tear in the ligament. They can also develop during physical activities or sports, such as walking on uneven ground, as a result of rapid or unexpected movements, or following a fall. This, in turn, can lead to swelling, bruising, pain, inability to put weight on the affected ankle, skin discoloration, and stiffness.
Though it takes time for your ankle to fully heal, there are certain steps you can take to hasten the recovery process:
1) Rest:
Getting plenty of rest and not putting weight on your ankle is essential to the healing process, so be sure to put as little pressure on it as possible.
2) Ice:
Apply ice to the injured area as soon as you can to reduce the swelling. It is recommended to do so for 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times per day
3) Elevate:
Elevating your foot with pillows can also help reduce the swelling by allowing your blood to circulate better.
4) Brace:
If your ankle pain persists, wearing a brace or an elastic bandage can help but be careful not to wrap it too tightly.
5) When to see a specialist:
We recommend seeing a specialist outright if your pains are mild to severe. Although in most cases, an ankle sprain will heal with proper treatment, an early diagnosis can help determine whether the injury is a sprain or something more severe.
To inquire about any other concerns, or to assess the state of your feet, make sure to pass by your nearest Feetness branch for a consultation or for advice on how to keep them as healthy as possible to step with comfort, every day.
Leave a Reply