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:
- Buy a crepe or an elastic bandage from a pharmacy.
- Wrap the bandage from your toes to the mid-calf by applying even pressure.
- Wear the bandage during the day till the time swelling decreases.
- Remove the dressing at night before retiring to bed.
- 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:
- Take a cup of Epsom salt and pour it in warm water. Stir it with your hand to help it dissolve in the water.
- Soak the ankle in the water for 30 minutes.
- 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.
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