If you have an injured ankle, you may need to be put down for a few days.The ankle's tissues are strained or stretched in most ankle injuries.The ankle and foot are bruised when the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to your feet are torn.Most ankle injuries are not serious and heal themselves after a few days of at- home treatment.Most ankle injuries can be treated at home with ice, elevation, and rest.
Step 1: Rest the ankle for 48 hours.
It's important that you rest your ankle after you hurt it.With your ankle elevated, lay down as much as possible.If you have to walk, walk slowly, and use a crutch, you should be able to take some of the weight off of your ankle.If you can still get around, try applying a brace to the injured ankle.It's okay to be somewhat active in the first 48 hours.Mild activity, such as walking with a crutch, can help keep the muscles in your ankle strong.There is a medical-supply shop where you can purchase a brace.Ankle braces can also be purchased at drugstores.
Step 2: An ice pack should be placed on the injured ankle.
If you don't have an ice pack, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or a cloth to wrap ice cubes.Small pieces of frozen peas or corn are a good choice.The ice pack should be applied to the ankle.Hold the ice against the ankle so that it doesn't hurt.An ice pack on the injured ankle will cause the blood vessels to dilate and limit blood flow to the area, which will reduce swelling.Pain relief can be provided by numbing the nerve endings in the ankle by applying ice.Gel ice packs can be purchased at drugstores.
Step 3: For the first 48 hours after an injury, apply ice 4 times daily.
The ice will help to reduce the swelling of the ankle during the first 48 hours.Keep the ice pack on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes each time.Ice the ankle when it hurts or swells up, or when you have time in your schedule to apply ice.If you hold the ice pack against the injured ankle for more than 20 minutes, it could cause damage to the skin.
Step 4: The ankle should be compressed for 48 hours to prevent swelling.
If you want to compress your ankle, the best way is to slide your foot inside of an elastic or neoprene compression sock.If you have an injury, a compression sock will help keep your ankle from swelling up.You can use an elastic wrap or bandage if you don't have access to a compression sock.You can buy compression sleeves and socks at drugstores.They are also available at some large supermarkets.
Step 5: If you have an injured ankle, put it above your heart to decrease swelling.
During the first 48 hours after an ankle injury, lie down or sit with the ankle elevated and spend as much time as possible lying down.If you have an injured ankle, place it on a stack of cushions or a chair near the base of the sofa or bed.The ankle should be higher than the heart when you're lying down.Keep your leg straight while elevating your ankle.There is no added pressure on the ankle if you don't bend your leg.
Step 6: If the ankle doesn't improve after 2 days, you should consult with a doctor.
The ankle may be seriously injured if it doesn't bear weight or is still swollen after 72 hours.Tell your doctor how the injury occurred, how you've been treating it, and how much pain you have.The doctor should examine the ankle.X-rays of the ankle can be taken to make sure it isn't a bone injury.If you see red streaks or patches outside the injured area, you should see your doctor.This can be a sign of an illness.
Step 7: NSAID's can help with swelling and manage the pain.
Ibuprofen and Tylenol can be used over the counter to relieve pain during the healing process.Your ankle will heal itself more quickly if you don't have swelling.Take the caplets according to the instructions on the packaging, and don't take more than 3,200 of any NSAID each day.You can buy NSAID meds at any pharmacy.
Step 8: If the ankle isn't able to bear weight, go to the emergency room.
If the ankle is completely numb or you can't bend it, go to the ER.The ankle may need to be repaired with surgery if these signs are any indication.If you can't drive yourself, ask a friend or family member to take you or call for an ambulance.If the ankle is broken, head to the ER immediately.A tingling sensation in the ankle can be a sign that the injured area isn't getting enough blood and oxygen.Nerve damage can be indicated by this.