What To Do If You Have A Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains are very common injuries. There’s a good chance that while playing as a child or stepping on an uneven surface as an adult you sprained your ankle–some 25,000 people do it every day.

A sprained ankle means one or more ligaments on the outer side of your ankle were stretched or torn. If a sprain is not treated properly, you could have long-term problems. Typically the ankle is rolled either inward (inversion sprain) or outward (eversion sprain). Inversion sprains cause pain along the outer side of the ankle and are the most common type. Pain along the inner side of the ankle may represent a more serious injury to the tendons or to the ligaments that support the arch and should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Here are the top remedies for a sprained ankle

Ice

Applying ice to a sprained ankle can greatly help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. Ice keeps the ligaments from becoming inflamed and stop any bleeding from a torn ligament. Ice should be applied over the affected area for the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury.

Wrap about a cup of ice cubes in a towel. Apply the compress to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat the process every two to three hours.
If ice is not readily available, you can use a frozen package of vegetables.

Note: Never put ice directly against the skin as it may cause damage to the skin.

Compression

To help stop swelling, compress or bandage the sprained ankle soon after the injury. Compression helps control pain as well as prevents further injury. To apply compression, you can use elastic, tape, bandages or special boots.

Buy a crepe or elastic bandage from a pharmacy.
Wrap the bandage from your toes to your mid-calf, using even pressure. Do not wrap it too tightly, as it can restrict blood flow.
Keep the bandage on during the day until the swelling reduces.
Remove the bandage before you go to sleep.

Onion

Onions can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.

Chop one large onion into small pieces. Put the pieces in a muslin cloth and tie it with a rubber band. Place the muslin cloth on the sprained area for at least two hours. If needed, secure the cloth with tape. Repeat as needed to reduce symptoms.
Alternatively, chill an onion in the refrigerator for two hours. Cut the onion into small pieces and then mix them with a good amount of salt. Apply the mixture to the swollen ankle and wrap it with an elastic bandage. Replace the compress with a new one every seven to eight hours. Do this for one to two days depending upon your recovery rate.

Cabbage

Cabbage’s anti-inflammatory effects make it a good topical remedy for treating simple sprains.

Remove the outer leaves from a head of cabbage.
Use a rolling pin to gently bruise the leaves so the juices can be released.
Wrap the cabbage leaves in foil and then warm them in the oven. The leaves should be warm but not hot.
Put the warm cabbage leaves over the painful area. Secure them in place with a gauze bandage.
Cover the entire area with plastic wrap to retain its warmth.
Leave it on for half an hour.
Follow this remedy twice daily for two days.