Healing a Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle is the last thing you want to get when you are sprinting for the ball in a sport, but it happens. In fact, a sprained ankle is one of the most common sports injuries. Add to that, a person does not have to play a sport to get a sprained ankle, it can happen to anyone doing any daily activity like just walking.

A sprained ankle can affect a person in numerable ways.

• Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle
• Decrease range of motion for your ankle
• Swelling and inflammation
• Bruising
• Ankle pain that can range from mild to severe

Whatever scenario you may be in, whether you are playing on the field or running to catch the bus, a sprained ankle should not be ignored. If you do ignore it, you risk severely damaging your ankle. Ignore it long enough and you will permanently damage it.
The sooner you deal with your sprained ankle, the better and quicker it will heal.
Deal With it Yourself
– Don’t Exert Yourself
The first step is to not exert yourself. Instead, try and get as much rest as possible and keep your weight off the leg. The more you exert yourself and the sprained ankle, the less of an opportunity you give your leg to heal.
– Apply Ice
Ice is the best way to prevent your ankle from swelling up to the size of a watermelon. Apply it regularly throughout the day so it can cool your muscles.
– Ointment and Compression
If you have to move about, apply an anti-inflammation ointment and wrap your affected ankle in an elastic bandage. Don’t wrap it so tight that the circulation to your ankle and feet is cut off.

Physiotherapeutic Help
If you are an athlete, or you think the injury is a serious one, it’s best to have a physiotherapist have a look.
– Assess your Range of Motion
Your range of motion will certainly be affected by an ankle sprain. This will tell you how bad the injury is.
– Stretches
The right stretches suggested by a trained physical therapist will help reduce the swelling in your ankle and help it build back up.
– Gait Training
Whether you like it or not, you have to move on that ankle, gait training will ensure that you don’t put too much strain on it.

Electro Therapy
Electro therapy uses electric pulses to stimulate the muscles. It does several things at once. It stimulates your ankle muscle, alleviates pain and helps your ankle recover swiftly from the injury.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio taping is a very effective way to deal with an ankle sprain. It provides strong support to your muscles to prevent swelling and encourages it to heal.
Sprained ankle is more than an ‘inconvenience’ that you have to deal with. Make sure that you are taking the right steps to ensure it heals properly.