Medical

Home treatment of sprained ankles

Sprained ankles occur when this area is abnormally damaged and is accompanied by tight tissue ligaments that help protect the ankle bones. Ligaments help stabilize joints and make them move too much. Sprained ankles occur when the ligaments are forced out of their usual range, which in many cases is damage to the ligaments outside the ankle. Treatment of sprained ankles depends on the extent of the injury.

sprained ankle

Symptoms of sprained ankles

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury; however, some common symptoms include:

  • Pain, mainly when you focus your weight on the injured leg.
  • Sensitivity to the touch of the ankle
  • Bruising
  • Instability in the ankle
  • The sound sensation when injured
  • When to see a doctor

See a doctor right away if you have pain or swelling in your ankle. Self-care measures may help reduce pain in the affected area. However, it is still essential to see a doctor to determine the severity of the injury and select the appropriate treatment.

 

Causes of sprained ankles

It occurs when the ankle is forced to move in the opposite direction of its range of motion, leading to stretching or tearing one or more ligaments.

 

Common causes can include:

  • A slip that causes sprained ankles
  • Improper landing after jumping up
  • Walking and exercising on uneven surfaces
  • Someone else lands on your feet while exercising
  • walking

 

Factors that increase the risk of sprained ankles include:

 

exercises:

Ankle injuries are common during foot-related sports activities. For example, sports such as basketball or soccer in which people do activities such as jumping or spinning.

 

Rugged surfaces:

Walking and running on uneven surfaces may increase the risk.

 

Primary ankle injury:

It is more common in people who have already experienced some ankle injuries.

 

Bad physical condition:

Lacking strength or flexibility in the ankle may increase the risk.

 

Wearing inappropriate shoes:

Wearing inappropriate shoes while exercising can expose the ankle to injury.

 

Complications of sprained ankles

Lack of timely treatment of the ankle and doing strenuous activities can lead to the following complications:

  • Chronic ankle pain
  • Instability of the ankle joints
  • Osteoarthritis of the ankle joints
  • Avoid twisting the ankle

 

Warm-up before exercising.

Be careful when walking, running, or working on uneven surfaces.

Use ankle straps.

Wear shoes that fit your daily activities.

Minimize the time it takes to wear high heels.

Maintain proper strength and flexibility of your body.

Do more balance exercises.

sprained ankle

Diagnosis of sprained ankles

The doctor examines the person to determine the type and extent of the injury. He also discusses the range of motion and sensitivity of the affected area and may prescribe some imaging tests for the patient if the damage is severe, including:

 

X-Ray :

This test provides accurate images of the ankle bone. This test is done to diagnose a bone fracture.

 

MRI:

In this experiment, strong radio and magnetic waves produce three-dimensional images of the ankle’s soft inner structures, including the ligaments.

 

CT Scan :

CT scans can provide more details about the joint bone. In this experiment, X-rays are used at different angles and provide three-dimensional images.

 

sonography:

Ultrasound examination gives the doctor accurate images of different ankle parts, including the ligament and tendon.

 

Home remedies that help relieve ankle injuries include:

Ice :

Placing an ice pack on the affected area reduces blood flow and reduces pain and swelling in this area; however, be careful to wrap the ice pack first in a towel and then in the affected area.

 

Close the affected area:

Closing the affected area with a piece of cloth can help reduce pain and swelling in the area, but be careful not to tie the fabric tightly to increase the injury risk.

 

Raising the leg:

Raising the leg reduces the amount of fluid that collects in the joint and relieves swelling and pain in this area, and it is also best to place your foot on a soft pillow. Placing the ankle on top of the buttocks helps prevent swelling and ensures that the footrests.

Heat:

The heat increases blood flow to the affected area, helping to heal the affected area and reduce pain. But if the ankle inflammation is not entirely gone, do not heat the room and try to warm the area for 15 to 20 minutes after the swelling has subsided.

 

Intermittent heating and cooling of the affected area also help relieve pain and inflammation.

 

gravity:

Stretching the ankle muscles after a recovery period helps to heal faster and prevent tissue weakness. Muscle stretching also helps improve blood circulation to the affected area. Pull the ankle at least three times a day with gentle movements in all directions. First, move the foot forward and then backward, and then clockwise.

 

walking :

By reducing swelling, walking can help heal an injured ankle, and as your ankle heals, gradually move longer. However, be careful not to focus your weight on the injured legs.

 

Massage:

It can reduce pain while reducing blood flow to the affected area. If the injury is severe, you should seek help from a massage therapist. If the damage is mild, the person can gently massage the affected area on their own, and if the pain becomes more severe, do not massage the ankle.

 

Physiotherapy:

If the ankle pain is severe, physical therapy exercises are necessary. The physiotherapist examines the affected area and offers appropriate activities according to the person’s lifestyle.

 

Circulation check:

Make sure the bandage is not too tight. To ensure that the application is not closed, press a fingernail to whiten it, then release it. Nail color should return to normal quickly. Otherwise, the bandage is tightly sealed. Screw the band again.

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