Whether it’s from sport or just tripping over, ankle sprains can be an annoying pain. When you have sprained your ankle, there are general steps to keep in mind in order to minimise the pain and not aggravate the injury any further. For a healthy recovery, here are some simple steps to taking care of a sprained ankle:
1. Stop activity
When you’ve sprained your ankle, it is a must to limit your movement to avoid further causing harm to your ankle. If you’ve hurt it playing sport, you should stop participating, sit down, take the load of your ankle and protect the whole area.
2. Get ice
Ice will help calm down the pain and the swelling. Get an ice pack or wrap ice in a towel and keep it on your ankle for as up to 20 minutes.
3. Pressure
The next step is to add compression to your sprained ankle. Do so by using a tensor or bandage from toes to mid-calf and making sure to wrap the leg and foot. It is a must to have some sort of balance when applying the pressure – it should not be too loose or too tight. This process helps reduce the swelling.
4. Raise your Ankle
The next step is to elevate your ankle. Ideally you want your ankle higher than your hip so further swelling can be prevented. If you feel like your injury is more serious than a sprain, you may need a trip to your doctor or hospital. Reapply your cold compress and use protective items such as pillows, and make sure you are comfortable in order to help the healing process.
For more information on sprained ankle care, we have professional Boronia doctors who can guide you toward a healthy recovery. Get in touch with us by visiting our Boronia medical clinic today!