A sprain is another word of Sprained Ankle telling that you are having an overstretched or torn muscle. The problem can happen as your joint is twisted, causing injuries to the ligaments connecting bones in your joint.
Causes of A Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle can be triggered by walking or running on the uneven ground, putting on high heel shoes, lifting weight or having accidents. Symptoms of a sprained ankle can be composed of swelling, pain, and restricted motion range and bruise.
You should remember that sprained ankle can vary from mild to serious. Several sprains might need medical intervention, meanwhile, a mild case of a sprained ankle can be treated easily with a great number of home remedies.
Following are top natural home remedies for a sprained ankle.
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Ice
Using ice to treat a sprained ankle is one of the most natural and effective treatments for this problem. The ice can help in reducing the swelling, hence easing the inflammation as well as pain. The treatment can prevent your ligaments from getting inflamed and preventing it from bleeding. You had better apply ice to your sprained ankle for the first 48 to about 72 hours after getting the injuries.
How to apply:
- Have some ice cubes wrapped in your towel
- Rub the compress over your injured area and leave it on for about 30 minutes
- Perform the same process every three hours.
In case you do not have ice, use a cool package of vegetables instead.
Note: You are not allowed to place the ice directly your affected area because it can lead to skin damage.
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Compression
Another sprained ankle treatment is compression, which can prevent the swelling from reoccurring. Compression can aid in controlling the pain well and then stop more injury. Before applying the compression, you need to prepare tape, elastic, special boots or bandages.
How to apply:
- Prepare an elastic bandage from any pharmacy stores
- Get your bandage wrapped from the toes to the mid-calf and you might need to use pressure if needed. You had better not warp it so tightly because it is able to restrict your blood flow.
- Keep your bandage entire day till your swelling reduces.
- Get it removed before going to the bedtime.
Note: You need to get rid of the bandage as soon as possible if your affected area becomes blue or starts numbing.
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Turmeric
Turmeric can serve well as an amazing pain relief thanks to its anti-inflammatory agents. Being an anti-spasmodic, turmeric can aid in relaxing your tissues, muscles as well as joint to aid in reducing the pain as swelling.
How to apply:
- Add about two teaspoons of turmeric powder to a teaspoon of lime juice and some lukewarm water to create a paste
- Rub the solution over your sprained ankles and have it covered with a bandage.
- Wait for about 10 hours. Perform the same treatment every ten hours and keep doing this in a week.
Alternatively,
- Add turmeric powder to limestone powder in an equal amount
- Insert some water to create a paste
- Warm up the paste and rub it over your affected area before bedtime
- Cover it with a bandage
- Wait for overnight
- Remove the bandage next morning
- Perform the same treatment for about three days
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Garlic
Another effective home remedy for a sprained ankle is garlic. Garlic can relive the different signs of a sprain. Thanks to its package of anti-inflammatory agents, garlic is powerful in reducing the pain, along with inflammation. In addition, the healing properties of garlic can accelerate the process of healing. Also, garlic is beneficial for increasing your body’s strength as well as energy.
How to apply:
- Add a teaspoon of garlic juice to two teaspoons of coconut oil
- Apply the mixture over your affected skin
- Wait for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water
- Perform the same process for about 4 times on a daily basis in some days till the ankle condition gets improved.
Alternatively.
- Mix a teaspoon of garlic oil with a teaspoon of almond oil
- Have your affected area massaged by the mixture for about thrice per day
- Perform the same treatment till you can fully recover
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Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a perfect solution for a sprained ankle. The reason comes from its container of crystals of magnesium which can soothe your sore muscles and then calm down the nerves nearby. You can buy this salt at most pharmacy stores.
How to apply:
- Place a glass of Epsom salt to a bath of warm water
- Stir it well with the hands to make the salt dissolve in water
- Dip your sprained ankle in the water and leave it on for about 30 minutes
- Perform the same process two times on a daily basis for about four days.
Conclusion
Along with those above home remedies for a sprained ankle, you have to rest your ankle for a couple of days. Placing stress or pressure on the sprained ankle can pause the process of healing and lead to another serious injury.
