How to Manage and Recover from Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are some of the most common injuries and unfortunately, they will often lead to a significant amount of discomfort. The severity of the sprain in question can also determine how long it will take to recover especially if any medical intervention is required. The good news is that most sprains will quickly heal if you follow a number of suggestions. What do industry professionals have to say? Let us take a look at how to best manage a sprained ankle.

Knowing the Severity of the Sprain

First and foremost, it is important to appreciate when medical advice is required. Doctors & Health professionals will place sprains into three categories:

• Mild (no ligaments are torn although slight pain and swelling may be present).
• Moderate (some ligaments are partially torn and you are experiencing a significant amount of discomfort).
• Severe (one or more ligaments is completely torn and the ankle cannot be moved).

Common symptoms include pain and swelling around the affected area, the inability to place pressure upon your foot, decreased mobility, and localised bruising.

Care and Management

So, how do you care for an ankle sprain? One useful acronym to remember is RICE. This stands for:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

Of course, resting will help to immobilise the affected ankle while preventing any further damage. Ice may be used to reduce inflammation and to mitigate any pain that you may be feeling. Compressing the ankle in question is likewise an excellent way to keep swelling at bay. Elevating the foot and ankle enables your body to better absorb any fluids that might otherwise accumulate. Sitting in a reclining chair or elevating it on the couch with pillows, ensuring that your ankle is higher than your heart is the best technique.

There may also be times when anti-inflammatories can help with pain and swelling. However, keep in mind that it is always wise to seek out the advice of a professional, particularly if you have health issues or you are currently taking additional medication.

Recovery Times to Consider

The length of time that your ankle will need to recover is based off of several factors. These include your age, the severity of the injury and if you follow the advice mentioned above. Mild to moderate sprains will require up to four weeks to heal while severe injuries could need months before the affected area returns to normal.

Thankfully, the team at Chatfield provides a host of sports chiropractic solutions so that you can get back on your feet in no time at all. Have you recently injured your ankle? Are you concerned about the pain you are experiencing or mobility issues? These are only two of the many reasons why it is a good idea to contact us to arrange a review consultation. Prompt treatment will help to ensure a speedy recovery with no additional complications. We look forward to hearing from you!

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