Sprained Ankle Proper Treatment

Yes, I know, you are absolutely in love with your Jimmy Choo or Cesare Paciotti sky-high, thin heel stilettos, and it’s not so hard to see the appeal behind them. They make the feminine silhouette even more attractive and you feel like a super model. On the other hand, you may be an avid runner and no pain or weather conditions can stand between you and your goals.

Unfortunately, neither fashionable women nor athletic individuals are always fully aware of the secret enemy lurking behind exertion and extreme (but pretty) footwear. The sprained ankle is reportedly the cause of over 20,000 cases that occur on a daily basis in the USA. However, this doesn't mean you should stay inactive most of the time. Invest in quality shoes and don’t ignore the aching by continuing with your planned activities. If you by chance get the sprained ankle, this is what you need to know about the unpopular condition.

RICE Benefits

 
Fastest to the rescue is the method of somewhat unorthodox name, RICE. It’s actually an acronym for stages of treatment of soft tissue injuries: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mind that this is not a cure but a first line of defense in the process of healing.

R-est: Don’t get brave or imprudent and soldier on after you have experienced a hurting episode. Don’t evade the crutches, as they be necessary until the pain goes away and the ankle is rested.

I-ce: This therapy is widely used as home treatment or at the doctor’s. Use ice packs for the 48-72 hours after the injury to reduce the heat and swelling. Use for 10-20 minutes at intervals of 1-2 hours in daytime. Later on, you can go with ice or introduce contrast baths.

C-ompression: Get yourself compression wraps that nest anatomically around your joints in the first 36 hours maximum. Include a brace that would protect your ankle from excess weight. Make the patches loose enough to avoid numbness, tingle, pain or swell increase and over cooling sensation.

E-levation: It is recommended you place your ankle on a position exceeding your heart level couple of hours a day to minimize the bruising and swelling.

Meds, shoes and alternatives

Start by consulting with the doctors if you should take some prescription drugs. In case you need a fast solution, take over-the-counter options like naproxen or ibuprofen for hurt and swelling. Make sure to read the instructions and side effects, take precaution.

Concerning footwear, go with laced, high-top shoes for adequate support. Don’t try to fit your foot in remotely tight shoes. If your physician prescribes some weight or no weight on your ankle, walker or crutches area must. Learn about the proper handling as misuse may lead to adverse effects.

Most cases of sprained ankle get resolved with rehab and moderate treatment, but extremes may require surgery. If there’s a broken bone or torn ligament involved, the procedure may be the best solution.

Home Treatment

Taking the seriousness of injury, sprained ankle healing process may last from 6-7 weeks up to 4 months. Different hospital supplies should and can enter your home as well. Standard braces, air stirrups and quality boots for this purpose are a staple for sprained ankle patients. Follow the example of pro tennis player and wear braces even after it’s healed to evade the reoccuring trauma. Add protective pads to your ankle support assortment and stick with walkers if necessary. Respect the healing requirements till it heals completely to prevent related injuries or repeated weakness in the same area.

Exercises

Start with some ankle exercises after the swelling and initial pain are gone, around seven days after. Move the joint in every direction possible, gently. Stretch your Achilles tendon once the pain allows you. Don’t forget about the strength exercises, as well as the ones that work on your balance and control. The exact timing is advisable, so have a word with the specialist about it.

Beauty vs. Health

We understand you love your high heels and endless runs, and you should keep them. Still, try to find a balance between wearing comfy shoes and resting and activities that cause exertion.