How to Heal a Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle can be quite painful, as well as prevent you from getting where you need to go. You can heal more quickly with proper care
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You Will Need
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Ice
- A sealable plastic bag
- A protective brace or compression
- Bandages
- Crutches
- A doctor
- A frozen bag of peas or commercial ice pack (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Take anti-inflammatory medication
Take anti-inflammatory medication as soon as possible after injuring your ankle. This will help reduce swelling.
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Anti-inflammatory medication may need to be taken for several days after the injury.
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Step 2
Ice your ankle
Ice your ankle to further reduce swelling and inflammation. Place ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and lay it over your ankle for 10 to 20 minutes per hour until the swelling goes down.
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A bag of frozen peas or a commercial ice pack can be used instead of ice and may cover the affected injury more fully.
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Step 3
Compress injury
Compress the injured ankle with a protective brace or a compression bandage for the first 24 to 36 hours. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly and cut off blood circulation.
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Step 4
Elevate your ankle
Elevate your ankle for two to three hours each day, raising your ankle above your heart level while lying down. Elevation will decrease the swelling and bruising.
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A good rule of thumb is to stay off of your ankle as much as possible until it has healed.
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Step 5
Use crutches
Use crutches when walking to decrease the pressure on the injury, accelerate healing, and prevent further injury.
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Step 6
See a doctor
See a doctor if pain and swelling persists, or if you believe you may have broken your ankle.
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Ankle sprains usually result from people rolling their ankle inward and tearing the fibers of ankle ligaments.
