Sprained Ankle Treatment Tips For Fast Recovery

Overview:

You can experience sprain in your ankle for several reasons, leading to severe pain and swelling. It can affect your routine activities badly. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the sprained ankle.

Summary:

• A sprain in your ankle occurs because of any forced movement of your ankle from the normal place.
• The ankle roll can be of two types, namely, eversion sprain, and an inversion sprain.
• One of its significant causes is the twisting of your ankle during a slip-and-fall accident.
• You can treat the sprain of your ankle by following the RICE protocol.
• Your specialist may recommend anti-inflammatory medication in case you are feeling extreme pain in your ankle.
• You may ask your doctor to suggest some exercise that will provide a strengthening effect to the sprained area.

What is an Ankle Sprain?

A sprained ankle is a common injury that may occur when your ankle is forced to move out of its usual place. The instantaneous rolling out of the ankle in or out due to abnormal movement forces the ankle joint to move out of position. The ankle roll can be inward or outward.

Eversion sprain is known for the inward ankle roll. It not only affects the ligaments, but the inner part of the ankle is also affected by it. The inversion sprain is known for the outward ankle roll. Outside ankle ligaments are badly affected by this type of injury. Both eversion and inversion sprains can cause the ligaments to tear completely or partially.

Causes of the Sprained Ankle

Some of the main causes associated with it may include:

• Twisting of the ankle in case of a slip-and-fall accident.
• Awkward landing on your foot after jumping or pivoting.
• Walking or exercising on an uneven surface.
• Accidental stepping or landing of another person on your foot.

When Should You See the Doctor?

You need to consult a specialist in case if you are experiencing:

• Severe or chronic ankle pain.
• Odd shape & movement of the ankle.
• Increased inflammation.
• Difficulty in walking or moving.
• Reduced range of motion.

How to Treat a Sprained Ankle?

Treatment of a sprained ankle depends on its severity or intensity level. The following are some recommended treatments to heal or treat your ankle sprain:

1. RICE Protocol

You can treat a sprain in the ankle at home through the conventional RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation). So far it is considered as one of the best-sprained ankle treatments yet it has a slow recovery timeline.

a. Rest or Exercise

You can do exercises that help in the strengthening of the muscles. It will improve your stability and balance while reducing the risk of getting reinjured. Always take a start from gentle strengthening exercises. Before starting any exercise, consult with a doctor or physical therapist to recommend some exercises that may benefit you.

b. Application of Cold Treatment

Applying ice to your ankle for 15–20 minutes every two to three hours during the early days can help in relieving pain and inflammation. The application of cold treatment is not effective for a person suffering from diabetes, vascular disease, or peripheral neuropathy.

c. Compression

Compression helps you in reducing the swelling by providing stability to your ankles through immobilization. You should immediately apply a compression bandage when your ankle gets sprained. Don’t remove this bandage for two to three days and avoid wrapping it tightly.

d. Elevation:

You can reduce swelling of your sprained ankle by elevating the foot above your heart or waist. Try to keep your foot in an elevated position for the first few days in order to increase its impact.

2. Use of Anti-inflammatory Medication:

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs if you feel extreme pain and swelling in your sprained ankle. Drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pills including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) are most effective and helpful in alleviating the pain. Before going for any anti-inflammatory medication, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor and follow his suggestions.

3. Recommended Exercises for Healing Sprained Ankle

Some exercises may help you in the rehabilitation of the ankle. You can also take suggestions from your doctor about the exercises or activities that can restore the strength of the affected area. It will also be beneficial in avoiding future injuries.

Schedule an Appointment at CMW with our Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialists

We recommend you visit Complete Medical Wellness for proper consultation, diagnosis, and reliable medical advice. Our team of experts and board-certified Orthopedic Doctors or Specialists will offer effective treatments after performing a physical examination of your sprained ankle. The procedure opted would be recommended based on the symptoms and severity of the sprain in your ankle.

Call Now AT : (877)-241–2772