Almost everyone has ever suffered a sprained ankle at some time in their lives. Sprained ankle occurs when ligaments (the hard connective tissue that connect bones) of the foot injury. The position of the feet is turned or twisted suddenly can make the ligaments stretched too far or even torn.
Similarly, if stepped away with the wrong angle or use too much energy, the ligaments can be jerks. Though, the ligament serves to help stabilize joints and prevent excessive motion.
How To Cure A Sprained Ankle
Sprained ankle is divided into three levels, namely, mild, moderate, and severe. Fortunately, the sprained ankle lightly and was able to heal by itself. To speed up healing, you can do the following things:
1. Protect your sprained ankle.
Protect your sprained ankle so that injury are not sustainable, for example, wrap the feet with bandages.
2. Rest.
The Next Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is rest your ankle joint for 2-3 days, but it’s not meant that you can’t move at all. Although sprained ankle, you can still work out, for example by training the hands and the feet are not sprains using the static bike.
It is recommended not to run or jump until you can walk without leg pain. In addition, don’t force the ankle to keep moving and don’t walk too far or for long. Better stand up and walk around the house that the distance is short, although using the crutches.
Within 72 hours after a sprain, it is recommended not to have a hot bath, sauna, running, or massaging the sprained ankle. It is feared that if these things can increase bleeding and swelling, inhibit the healing process and cause further damage.
3. Ice.
Compress the sprained ankle with ice. The goal, limiting the swelling as well as relieve. In addition, ice also helps reduce the pain. Cold compress the injured area as soon as possible during the last 15 to 20 minutes, 4-8 times a day.
This is done in the first 48 hours or until the swelling deflated If you use ice cubes, do not affix directly to the skin. In addition, do not put the ice for too long on the skin because it can cause tissue damage.
4. Compress. Bandage Your sprained ankle.
The Next Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is wrap the sprained ankle with an elastic bandage or neoprene (synthetic rubber) for at least 48 hours (can be less or more). Pointless to limit swelling and help joints rest.
Do not bandage the ankle is too tight or closely because it can restrict blood flow to the feet. If your toes tingling, change the color, or feel numb, immediately open the bandage.
5. Elevate (Lift). Lift your ankle above your heart position.
Lifting the sprained ankle up to above heart position for 2-3 hours a day if possible. Its goal to help limit and reduce swelling and bruising. The trick, lie down on the couch or bed and put your feet on top of a pile of some pillows.
When it is not possible, the feet can be raised as high as the hips when sitting in a Chair. Oh yeah, keep in mind not to use bandages when the foot is raised. Why? Because of the bandages, can restrict blood flow to the feet.
6. Using Aloe Vera.
The Next Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is using aloe vera. Take the extract of the aloe vera gel and dampen a cotton bud with this Aloe Vera gel before put to the injury, then let the gel dry; It can also add glycerin to make it more viscous.
7. Medication
Drinking the pain reliever that can be bought without a prescription.
Drinking the painkillers and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or aspirin after a meal. But don’t be too often taking these drugs, except by prescription.
8. Stretching.
The Next Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is by doing the stretching exercise if the doctor recommends.
9. Bracing and Taping
Wearing a brace or tape can provide support and stability to your ankle while it heals. These devices can help prevent further injury and speed up the healing process.
10. Massage Therapy
The Next Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is massage therapy. Massage therapy can help reduce pain and stiffness in your ankle. It can also improve blood circulation and promote healing. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before undergoing massage therapy.
11. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing. It can help reduce pain and swelling in your ankle and promote the flow of energy throughout your body.
12. Nutrition and Supplements
The Next Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is eating a balanced diet and taking supplements such as vitamin C and omega-3 can help promote healing and reduce inflammation in your ankle.
13. Visit the doctor.
When the sprained ankle does not heal within two or three days, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately. Especially if pain or swelling is getting worse, there are open wounds, signs of infection appear, and you cannot stand at all.
14. Surgery
The Last Way How to Cure a Sprained Ankle is surgery. In severe cases of sprained ankle, surgery may be necessary. Surgery can repair torn ligaments and help restore stability to your ankle. However, it’s important to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery.
FAQs About Sprained Ankle
Q: What are the levels of a sprained ankle?
A: Sprained ankles are classified into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe.
Q: How can I cure a sprained ankle?
A: To cure a sprained ankle, you can take the following steps: protect your ankle, rest your ankle, ice the injured area, compress the ankle with a bandage, elevate your ankle, use aloe vera, take pain relievers, do stretching exercises, wear a brace or tape, undergo massage therapy or acupuncture, eat a balanced diet and take supplements, and visit a doctor if necessary.
Q: What should I avoid doing when I have a sprained ankle?
A: Within 72 hours of a sprained ankle, it is recommended that you avoid hot baths, saunas, running, or massaging the injured area, as they can cause bleeding and swelling, inhibit the healing process, and cause further damage.
Q: When should I see a doctor for a sprained ankle?
A: If your sprained ankle does not heal within two or three days, or if you experience worsening pain or swelling, open wounds, signs of infection, or you cannot stand at all, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately.
Q: Is surgery necessary for a sprained ankle?
A: In severe cases of sprained ankle, surgery may be necessary. However, it’s important to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery.
Bottom Line
A sprained ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the foot are stretched too far or torn. The severity of the injury can range from mild to severe, and the appropriate treatment depends on the level of injury.
To cure a sprained ankle, it is important to protect the ankle, rest it, ice it, compress it, elevate it, take pain medication if necessary, stretch if recommended, consider bracing or taping, and visit a doctor if the injury does not heal or worsens.
Additionally, alternative therapies such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and a balanced diet can also aid in the healing process. With proper care and attention, most sprained ankles can be treated effectively, and recovery can be accelerated.
Thank you very much for reading How To Cure A Sprained Ankle, hopefully useful.
