Ankle pain can occur quickly and sometimes all of a sudden. A sprained ankle occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are injured. Minor sprains may result from stretching and irritating the ligaments, whereas more severe sprains can lead to complete tearing of the ligaments.

Sprains can vary in severity, and a slight sprain might only result in mild pain for a day or two. However, even if a mild sprain starts feeling better quickly, it doesn't necessarily mean it has completely healed. It's important to treat these injuries properly, as neglecting proper care can lead to serious issues.

How To Promote Sprained Ankle Recovery

The following are the methods to heal your sprained ankle while staying at home:

R.I.C.E Method:

RICE is a very common technique of healing your sprained ankle by yourself. Here’s more information about it:

•  Rest: It means to rest your ankle which is the key part. Not to put any weight on it so it doesn't further damage the ankle.

•  Ice: Home care techniques like these can aid in a speedier recovery process while also safeguarding against additional injuries. Wrap the ice or ice bag in a thick cloth or towel and put it on the skin where the sprained ankle was.

•  Compression:  Wrap a bandage around and on the ankle injury. The bandage should fit comfortably without being overly tight to the point of digging into the skin, causing pain, or resulting in numbness.

•  Evaluation:  Easing the elevation of a sprained ankle can minimize the build-up of fluid in the joint. This, in turn, can alleviate swelling and potentially relieve the pain as well.

Heat:

Heat is a great way to heal a sprained ankle. Heat can enhance blood circulation to an injury, promoting faster healing. Additionally, many individuals notice that it has the ability to alleviate discomfort and tension by loosening tight muscles.  

Stretching:

Not only does a sprained ankle affect the leg, but it also jeopardizes other nearby muscles as well. This is particularly true if these tissues have become weak due to lack of use. Stretching gently by moving it in different directions. Try moving your foot forward and backward.

Walking:

As we said, don't put your weight on it. Try to walk slowly when the sprain is healing and don’t put all your weight on the affected foot.

Massage:

Gently massage the sprained ankle as much as possible. If massaging the area causes pain or makes the symptoms worse, it's important to stop.

When To Seek Medical Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange

Sprained ankles can be painful, and depending on its severity, the injury can be treated at home using the above methods. However, if the pain still exists, then it’s important to seek professional medical attention. The first step in properly treating an injury is an accurate diagnosis. At AFC Urgent Care West Orange, we can provide a full examination of your ankle to determine the extent of the injury. From there, our providers can plan treatment so you can be sure to recover properly. Our walk-in clinic is fully equipped to diagnose and treat your injury on-site with our digital x-ray system. All you have to do is walk-in at your convenience!