It's best to check with your doctor if you're injured or have unexplained swelling, because experts say ankle swelling goes away on its own.If you have a swollen ankle, you want to feel better fast.You may be able to care for your swollen ankle at home by resting, icing, elevating, and applying a compression wrap, according to research.If your ankle doesn't feel better after a few days, you should consult with your healthcare provider to find out if you need medical treatment.
Step 1: You can schedule an appointment with the doctor or 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 that you have.To help your doctor diagnose and treat your injury, be honest about your pain and other symptoms.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.You may have a bruise or some mild pain.It is difficult to carry weight on the injured foot and you may need crutches.There will be some moderate pain and swelling.Your doctor may notice 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 injuries.
The ATFL ligament is a part of the ankle and can be injured by rolling it.If you are an athlete, you may experience a high ankle injury.The syndesmosis is located above the ankle joint.You will likely experience more pain and a longer recovery time with this kind of injury.
Step 3: Follow your doctor's directions.
You will need to stick to your doctor's treatment plan after you have had your ankle evaluated.Your doctor will most likely tell you to rest, icing, and elevate your ankle.If your symptoms don't improve over time, call your doctor.If you have a serious injury, ask about physical therapy.It is possible to speed up your healing time with physical therapy and exercise.
Step 4: After the injury, rest your ankle for two or three days.
It's important to make sure you get at least two or three days of rest for your ankle.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: It's best to ice your ankle.
Ice can be applied to your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.Blood flow to the ankle is reduced when ice is put on it.Icing your ankle can help you deal with the pain.Before pressing the ice pack against your skin, wrap it with a towel.Wait about an hour before icing your ankle again.Skin damage can be caused by too much exposure to the ice.
Step 6: The ankle needs to be compressed.
You will restrict the movement of your ankle if you compress it.Swelling and healing time are reduced by compression.Wrap the injured area with a bandage or compression device.The compression should be taken off at night.Total restriction of blood flow in the foot can be caused by overnight compression.Another form of compression that has been shown to reduce swelling is keesio taping.Do you know if your doctor or physical therapist is trained in this technique?
Step 7: Put your foot in the air.
It may be possible to reduce the swelling by limiting the flow of blood.When you are sitting or lying down, you can elevate your ankle.If you want to raise your ankle 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 by shouldering all the load.Take the first step if you have an injured foot.The injured leg can be helped by gravity.
Step 9: It will take about 10 days for you to recover.
It can take about 10 days for people to recover from ankle injuries if you follow your doctor's instructions.You may make your injury worse if you rush your recovery.If you need to take time off from work, ask for help from friends and family.
Step 10: Take the NSAID with your doctor's approval.
NSAIDs can help you deal with pain as you recover.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, you should talk to your doctor.
Step 11: You can ask your doctor about celecoxib.
Celecoxib reduces 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 could 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 done 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 is a good option for you.
Step 14: It's best to stick to cold compress.
While your ankle heals, avoid heat.Blood flow to the injured area is increased by heat.In the first three days after your 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.The blood vessels in the body are opened by alcoholic drinks.The swelling in your ankle can get worse when your blood vessels open.It is a good idea to avoid alcohol while you are healing.
Step 16: Don't keep your movement high impact.
To make sure that your ankle heals, stay away from running and other physical activities.Running and other high impact physical activities will only make things worse.Rest for a week before exercising again.
Step 17: You should massage your ankle.
Don't massage your ankle for a week.While massaging the pain in your ankle might sound like a good idea, it will only make your injury worse.The external pressure will make the swelling worse.One week after you allow your ankle to rest and recover, you can start to massage it.