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What are the Best Natural Sprained Ankle Remedies?
A sprained ankle occurs when the delicate tissues surrounding the ankle joint become torn. This most commonly occurs as the result of accidentally twisting the ankle. Natural sprained ankle remedies are quite popular and are generally effective, although any questions or concerns should be discussed with a doctor. Some of the most common sprained ankle remedies include rest, the use of ice therapy, and gentle exercise. Each patient may need to experiment with different treatment options in order to determine the best sprained ankle remedies in any individual situation.
Rest is one of the most important sprained ankle remedies. For the first few days following the injury, the affected foot should be used as little as possible. Resting the ankle can reduce pain and prevent further damage from occurring. If movement is necessary, it may help to use a splint or a brace to keep the ankle as immobile as possible. Supportive devices, such as crutches, may be helpful as well.
Along with resting the ankle, elevation is another of the best sprained ankle remedies. While resting the ankle, the affected foot should be elevated above the level of the heart. It is especially helpful to elevate the foot at night when sleeping. This elevation helps to reduce swelling and improve circulation. The foot should not be elevated so far that it causes increased discomfort.
Another one of the more popular sprained ankle remedies includes the use of ice on the affected ankle. An ice pack can be applied for about 15 minutes at a time and repeated several times per day. This can often reduce swelling, thus relieving some of the discomfort associated with the sprain. Caution should be used, as applying ice for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time can actually damage the skin.
Compression is perhaps the most controversial sprained ankle remedies available. Some doctors recommend stabilizing the ankle with a bandage, while others believe that healing time is lessened when compression is not used. If compression is used, the bandage should be snug but not tight.
Gentle stretching exercises may be used as sprained ankle remedies after the ankle has had a few days to begin healing. Simple range-of-motion exercises are often best, and weight should not be placed on the ankle until it is no longer uncomfortable to do so. If there are any questions concerning when it is safe to begin these exercises, a doctor or physical therapist should be consulted.
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![A man with a sprained ankle.]()
By: Luis SantosA man with a sprained ankle. -
![A sprained ankle should be rested as much as possible to avoid causing permanent damage to the joint.]()
By: lzfA sprained ankle should be rested as much as possible to avoid causing permanent damage to the joint. -
![Elevation is one of the best remedies for a sprained ankle.]()
By: lightwavemediaElevation is one of the best remedies for a sprained ankle. -
![Crutches may help by keeping weight off the injured ankle while it heals.]()
By: AVAVACrutches may help by keeping weight off the injured ankle while it heals.
Discussion Comments
@fBoyle-- Try a salve with camphor, eucalyptus or capsaicin for pain relief. You can find these at pharmacies and stores. These are all natural and they're effective too. I've used all of these for foot injuries, arthritis and other aches pains.
I think camphor is my favorite. Sometimes camphor and eucalyptus is combined. These are natural analgesics. Capsaicin is also natural, it's an ingredient found in red chili peppers that has pain relieving properties.
What is the best remedy for pain due to an ankle sprain? I can't take NSAID pain relievers because of stomach ulcers.
Following the RICE (rest, ice compression, elevation) treatment is very important for a sprained ankle. After the RICE treatment, which can go on for a few days depending on how bad the ankle is, I think that wearing an ankle brace is the best remedy.
I sprained my ankle very badly a few years ago. I basically fell down a flight of stairs and landed on my ankle. I ripped a tendon as a result. Within just a minute or two, my ankle became huge. I had never seen an ankle so swollen before. I put ice on it and went to the hospital for an x-ray. I had to wear a plastic cast for a month.
After the cast came off, I started wearing an ankle brace. I wore it all the time for a very long time. Now, my ankle is okay without one. But when I feel pain due to standing or walking a lot, I still wear it. I don't think that my recovery would have been possible without the cast and the brace.
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