It's best to check with your doctor if you're injured or have unexplained swelling, because experts say ankle swelling usually goes away on its own.You want to feel better quickly if you have a swollen ankle.Research suggests that you can care for a swollen ankle at home by resting, icing, elevating, and applying a compression wrap.If your ankle doesn't feel better after a few days, consult with your healthcare provider to find out if you need medical treatment.
Step 1: You can schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit an emergency room.
You should seek medical treatment immediately if you have been injured.If you can't get in to see your regular doctor, go to an emergency room.When you are examined by your doctor, she will ask you questions to determine the degree and type of injury you have.To help your doctor diagnose and treat your injury, be honest about your pain and other symptoms.The grade I is a partial tear of the ligament with no functional loss or impairment.On the affected side, the person can still walk and carry weight.There may be some mild pain and bruise.It is difficult to bear weight on the injured foot and you may need crutches.You will have some pain and swelling.Your doctor may be able to see some limitations in your range of motion.The structural integrity of the ligaments is lost in grade III.The patient will not be able to walk unassisted.You will be bruised and swollen.
Step 2: It's a good idea to be aware of high ankle sprains.
The ATFL ligament is a part of the ankle that can be injured by rolling it.If you are an athlete, you may experience a high ankle sprain.The syndesmosis is located above the ankle joint and this affects it.You will likely experience more pain and a longer recovery time with this kind of injury.
Step 3: Follow your doctor's instructions.
You will need to stick to your doctor's treatment plan after having your ankle evaluated.Your doctor will most likely recommend a period of rest, icing, and elevating your ankle.If your symptoms don't improve over time, call your doctor.If you have a severe injury, ask about physical therapy.Exercise and physical therapy can help speed up your healing time and reduce the chance that you will hurt your ankle again.
Step 4: After the injury, rest your ankle for a couple of days.
It's important to make sure you get plenty of rest for two or three days.You should avoid sports and other physical activities that put pressure on your ankle.If you have a job that requires you to stay on your feet most of the day, you may need to take some time off from work.
Step 5: Put ice on your ankle.
Ice can be applied to your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.If you put ice on your ankle, the swelling will go down quicker.Icing your ankle can help with the pain.Before pressing the ice pack against your skin, wrap it with a towel.Wait about an hour before icing your ankle.Skin damage can be caused by too much exposure to the ice.
Step 6: Your ankle needs to be compressed.
You will restrict the movement of your ankle if you compress it.Compression speeds healing and decreases swelling.Wrap the injured area with an ace bandage.The compression should be taken off at night.Total restriction of blood flow in the foot can be caused by overnight compression.Kinesio taping has been shown to reduce swelling.Do you know if your doctor or physical therapist is trained in this technique?
Step 7: Your ankle needs to be raised.
It may be possible to reduce the swelling by limiting the flow of blood to the area.When you are sitting or lying down, you can elevate your ankle.If you want your ankle to be raised above the level of your heart, use a couple of pillows or blankets.
Step 8: Support your ankle as it heals.
It will help you to recover faster if you don't stand on your ankle.crutches or a cane can be used when you need to walk.You need to support your ankle when going up and down stairs.Take the first step with your undamaged foot when going up steps.The healthy leg is fighting against gravity in this way.Take the first step if you have an injured foot.The injured leg can be helped by gravity.
Step 9: Prepare for about 10 days of recovery.
It can take about 10 days for people to recover from ankle injuries if you follow your doctor's instructions.If you try to rush your recovery, you may make your injury worse.If you need to take time off from work, ask for help from your friends and family.
Step 10: Take it with your doctor's approval.
NSAIDs can help you deal with pain as you heal.NSAIDs work to reduce swelling and relieve pain when you have an ankle injury.Ibuprofen or naproxen can be found over-the-counter.If you have heart problems, a history of stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, or diabetes, talk to your doctor before using NSAID.
Step 11: Discuss celecoxib with your doctor.
Celecoxib works to reduce inflammation caused by an ankle injury.It causes inflammation by controlling the production of prostaglandins.You will have to get a prescription from your doctor.Taking celecoxib on an empty stomach can cause a stomachache.
Step 12: Discuss the drug with your doctor.
Prostaglandin formation is stopped by piroxicam.It reduces swelling by melting under the tongue and going directly to the blood.
Step 13: It is a last resort to talk to your doctor about surgery.
Most ankle sprains are treated with surgical therapy.It is only done in severe ankle sprains that do not respond to months of rehabilitation.If your ankle injury has not improved after a long period of rehabilitation, ask your doctor if this may be a good option for you.
Step 14: Stick to a cold compress.
While your ankle heals, avoid heat.Blood flow to the injured area is increased by the heat.In the first three days after an injury, warm compress, saunas, and steam showers may do more harm than good.Stay away from heat and use a cold compress to relieve pain.
Step 15: There was a stain from alcohol.
Don't drink alcohol while you're recovering.There are blood vessels in the body.The swelling in your ankle can get worse when your blood vessels open.It is a good idea to avoid alcohol while you heal.
Step 16: Keep your movements low impact.
Don't run or do physical activities if you want your ankle to heal.Running and other high impact physical activities will make things worse.Rest for at least a week.
Step 17: Wait until you massage your ankle.
Do not massage your ankle for a week.While massaging the pain in your ankle might sound like a good idea, giving it a massage will make it worse.The swelling will get worse because of the external pressure.One week after you allow your ankle to rest and recover, you can start to massage it.