Home Remedies for Sprained Ankles

When you have an overstretched or torn muscle, you are probably suffering from a sprain. The problem occurs when your joint twists, injuring your ligaments. Ankle sprains are caused by walking or running on bumpy grounds, lifting heavy weights, wearing high-heel shoes, and due to accidents. Some of the symptoms may include swelling, pain, restricted motion and bruising.

Sprains can range from mild to severe. While acute sprains require medical attention, you can easily treat a mild ankle sprain at home with these home remedies.

1. Ice

Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Ice helps the torn ligament from bleeding. However, do not apply ice over the affected area for the first 2-3 days after the injury.

Directions:

Take an ice pack or wrap about 5-6 cubes in a towel. Gently apply the cold compress to the affected area for fifteen to twenty minutes. Make sure you repeat the process every two hours.

2. Compression

To stop swelling, make sure you bandage the sprained ankle right after injury. Compression can help control pain and prevent further injury. You can use tape, elastic, special boots or bandages to apply compression.

Directions:

1. Buy a crepe or an elastic bandage from a pharmacy.
2. Wrap the bandage from your toes to the mid-calf by applying even pressure.
3. Wear the bandage during the day till the time swelling decreases.
4. Remove the dressing at night before retiring to bed.
5. Also, take off the bandage straight away if the area turns blue or starts feeling numb.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent pain reliever. Also, because it is anti-spasmodic, turmeric eases the tissues, muscles and joints and helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Directions:

Take two tablespoons of turmeric, a little water, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Make a thick paste. Apply the thick paste to the sprain and wrap it using a bandage. Leave it on for at least ten hours. Repeat again for a week.

4. Epsom Salt

A popular home remedy to treat sprains is Epsom salt. The crystals are extremely effective in soothing muscles and calming nerves. Epsom salt can easily be purchased at most pharmacies.

Directions:

1. Take a cup of Epsom salt and pour it in warm water. Stir it with your hand to help it dissolve in the water.
2. Soak the ankle in the water for 30 minutes.
3. Perform this routine daily for four days.

Home remedies are one of the best ways to treat mild ankle injuries. However, if you feel your injury is severe, make sure you visit a specialist to get the problem treated.