what to do when a sprained ankle?
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['Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.', "Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. ... ", 'Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ... ', 'Elevation.']
1340596
Most ankle sprains are mild and only need ice and elevation. Mild sprains typically begin to feel better in a few days to a week and heal by six weeks. More severe ankle sprains could take more than a few weeks or months to fully recover. Severe sprains may cause excruciating pain, crutches may be needed.
1381265
Although the first temptation might be to “walk it off,” this can cause more damage to stretched or torn ligaments and prolong recovery time. It's important not to overdo it or get ahead of yourself: walking too soon on a sprained ankle can lead to reinjury, pain, and more chronic conditions like arthritis.
412315
After a few days, you can soak your ankle in a warm bath with Epsom salt. It's important to apply cold during the first few days after an injury. Epsom salt may help soothe sore muscles and connective tissues, and it may help with joint stiffness.
1313421
['Trace the alphabet with your toe, which encourages ankle movement in all directions. Trace the alphabet 1 to 3 times.', 'Sit in a chair with your foot flat on the floor. Slowly move your knee side to side while keeping your foot pressed flat. Continue for 2 to 3 minutes.']
131465
['Steroid medications injected into your joints.', 'Anti-inflammatory drugs to help with swelling.', 'Pain relievers.', 'Pads or arch supports in your shoes.', 'Canes or braces for support.', 'Shoe inserts that support your ankle and foot (orthotics)', 'Physical therapy.', 'Custom-fitted shoes.']
1012215
Depending on the severity of the sprain, your doctor may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape or an ankle support brace to stabilize the ankle. In the case of a severe sprain, a cast or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle while the tendon heals.
40180
If your sprained ankle is moderate (a grade 2 sprain), it may take you two to three months to recover. You'll need to take care, as you may be prone to spraining your ankle again in the first four to six weeks while you recover. You may notice some pain and occasional swelling for some time afterwards.
159460
['Rest your body. It needs time to heal.', 'Ice your shin to ease pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone.', 'Use insoles or orthotics for your shoes. ... ', 'Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, if you need them.']
627759
After a few days, you can soak your ankle in a warm bath with Epsom salt. It's important to apply cold during the first few days after an injury. Epsom salt may help soothe sore muscles and connective tissues, and it may help with joint stiffness. Try adding Epsom salts to a warm or somewhat hot bath 1-2 times per day.
834906
['Compression socks. Available at your local drug store, shoe store or online, compression socks provide pain relief and prevent fluid collection in your legs, ankles and feet. ... ', 'Elevation. ... ', 'Exercise. ... ', 'Weight loss. ... ', 'Epsom salt. ... ', 'Magnesium supplements.']
1378779
People usually feel immediate pain at the site of an ankle sprain. Often the ankle starts to swell immediately and may develop bruising. The affected area is usually tender to touch and may feel "wobbly" or unstable. In a mild sprain, swelling usually goes down within a few days.
13128
Sprained ankle. A sprained ankle is similar to a twisted ankle but to a greater degree. When you sprain your ankle, it means you have stretched, and possibly even torn, the ligaments of your ankle. If your ankle is swollen, bruised and painful after you twist it, then you have most likely sprained it.
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Sprains are common and usually heal on their own. However, severe sprains that completely sever the ligament may require months of healing and possibly surgery. Do not ignore the pain of an ankle sprain or assume that there is nothing a doctor can do.
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['Call your doctor and make an appointment.', 'Ice and elevate the joint.', 'Drink plenty of fluids (no alcohol or sweet sodas).', 'Reduce stress, which can worsen the attack.', 'Ask friends and family to help you with daily tasks to ease stress on joints.']
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Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, a more severe sprain can weaken your ankle—making it more likely that you will injure it again. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term problems, including chronic ankle pain, arthritis, and ongoing instability.
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Epsom Salt After a few days, you can soak your ankle in a warm bath with Epsom salt. It's important to apply cold during the first few days after an injury. Epsom salt may help soothe sore muscles and connective tissues, and it may help with joint stiffness.