Sprained ankle is one of the most common ankle injuries. It may be caused by falling down, accident, etc. If it happens to you, you have to treat it as soon as possible because it is really painful.
The treatment can be done with different methods and the recovery also takes various times. Sprained ankle recovery time depends on the condition itself (types of ankle sprains). However, there are many tips that can make the recovery time faster.
How long does a sprained ankle take to heal? It depends on the treatment and the condition. However, there are some tips to make the recovery faster.
Sprained Ankle Causes
Sprained ankle mostly occurs when the feet are turned inverted or inward. This type of ankle injury may happen in some ways such as planting the feet when running awkwardly, stepping on irregular surfaces, etc. The cause may affect the ankle sprain recovery time.
The Symptoms of Sprained Ankle
Ankle sprain usually comes with some symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include leaky blood vessels, tendon injury, and even inflammation. If inflammation occurs, swelling, pain and redness may also follow your ankle sprain.
How Long Is Sprained Ankle Recovery Time?
The recovery time of sprained ankle usually takes around a few days, weeks, or even months. If you treat it sooner rightly, the recovery may be fast enough. However, you have to make sure that it is really ankle sprain, not ankle fracture, because ankle fracture requires the further treatment.
How to Make Sprained Ankle Recovery Time Faster
Recovery time for your sprained ankle may take long time. However, you can make it faster with some tips. First, you need to do protection. You can sit down and take off the pressure on your sprained ankle. You cannot do anything which can make the sprain worse.
Second, you need to rest. So, if you experience ankle sprain, you need to limit moving around. Alternatively, you can consider using a crutch or cane until your sprained ankle gets well again.
Third, it will be a good idea to apply ice to the affected area. Applying ice for about 10 to 20 minutes onto the sprained ankle will end up with tissue damage and freezer burn. For the best result, you should do this 2 or 3 times per day.
Fourth, compression will also be useful. You can wrap your sprained ankle using an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Another best tip to make the recovery time faster is to elevate. What you need to do is to elevate your sprained ankle as you can in the recovery period. It will be very useful to increase circulation. Besides that, it also lets the blood gets all areas for healing. If needed, you can use pillows for elevation.
Will taking over-the-counter medicines for the pain be useful? In case of ankle sprain recovery, it will not be helpful. The better alternative is to take anti-inflammatory drugs. We recommend you to choose non-steroidal type of anti-inflammatory drugs. However, you need to ask the doctor to get the prescription. These drugs can help to fight inflammation so that the recovery time will be faster.