Ankle sprains are common injuries. They occur when you roll or twist your ankle. Hence, it’s also sometimes called rolled ankle or twisted ankle. You can remedy most ankle sprains at home. This is why most people ask how to heal a sprained ankle overnight when they accidentally get one.
However, there are also severe ankle sprains. Most twisted ankles take two to 12 months to heal. If you delay rolled ankle treatment or leave them untreated, you may suffer from them longer than usual. You may also experience chronic pain and more swelling. Worse, your ankle will become unstable or acquire arthritis.
It may appear as a minor injury, but learning how to treat it is crucial. So, here are five effective treatments for ankle sprain you must know:
Ankle Strapping
Ankle strapping is among the most reliable twisted ankle treatment. An ankle strapping tape supports, stabilizes, and reduces swelling of the injured ankle. Depending on the support your ankle needs, you can either use a rigid or kinesiology tape.
Wear rigid or athletic tape if your ankle needs stabilization and restricted movement. If the ankle needs to be in motion all the while supporting it, then you need a kinesiology tape for ankle sprain.
Ankle strapping isn’t only effective as a treatment. It’s also effective in preventing injury.
Also Read: A Basic Guide to Kinesiology Tape? Its Uses, Benefits, and Types
RICE
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is the most common treatment for minor injuries, such as ankle sprains. The procedure may be simple, but it’s proven by time and recommended by professionals.
To be effective, you must implement RICE as soon as you acquire the injury. Rest here means creating your ankle from playing other activities. Applying ice to the injured area for around 10 minutes helps reduce swelling. Compression is when you tape for ankle support. Lastly, elevation reduces pain and swelling by limiting blood flow.
Heat Therapy
Other than the more common cold therapy, heat therapy can also help treat an ankle sprain. However, only do this when the swelling is gone. The heat helps in blood flow which speeds your ankle’s recovery. Again when the swelling is gone, you may alternate between cold and heat therapy.
Exercise
Like heat therapy, only do this when you’ve taken off an ankle tape. This means the swelling is gone, and you’ve had enough rest. Do this gradually. You may start by flexing or massaging your feet. Then, you may walk a few steps every other day at home. This little exercise helps blood to circulate in your ankle. It also helps strengthen your feet or ankle again after the injury.
Physical Therapy
For more severe ankle sprain, get a professional assessment for treatment. If your ankle shows no improvement after a week, you may want to see a therapist. They will examine your injury and customize treatments for your sprain.
FAQs Regarding Ankle Sprain Treatment
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained ankle?
Since not all sprained ankles aren’t severe, most specialists recommend the RICE treatment. The cold treatment may not have much scientific basis, but it does help the patient feel better. These days, using kinesiology tape for ankle sprain also proves effective. It’s a reliable alternative.
Can an ankle sprain heal in 2 days?
It usually takes longer than two days to heal since swelling may last 48 hours. That is possible for minor ankle sprains. However, professionals advise that you use these two days for resting.
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
You can still walk with a sprained ankle. However, you would not want to do that if you’re after a quick recovery. Aside from delaying your healing process, forcing your ankle on a walk may cause more swelling, pain, and complication.
Is hot water suitable for a sprained ankle?
Contrary to popular opinion, you may use heat treatment for your ankle sprain. However, do this only when the swelling is gone. If there’s still inflammation, hot water is not a good idea.
Is kinesiology tape good for a sprained ankle?
Yes, kinesiology taping a sprained ankle may speed recovery. It not only supports your ankle but also helps reduce swelling faster. It also helps with pain management.
What does strapping your ankle do?
Whenever you sprain an ankle, your joints displace. This causes you pain. Strapping your ankle helps manage joint pain and the swelling that comes with it. You also execute the compression part of treating an ankle sprain. It supports your ankle while not restricting so much movement. With strapping, you also prevent further complications.
Should you strap a sore ankle?
Kinesiology tape works by gently lifting your skin from your other skin tissues. This way, you’ll experience reduced pain and swelling. If you’ve got a minor ankle sprain, kinesiology taping would be good, even if it’s still swelling.
When should you not tape an ankle?
You should not tape your ankle if your injury has subsided. You may stop using it gradually and start moving or exercising to strengthen your ankle and feet again. Other than that, you must not use tape if you’re allergic to adhesive. You also need to check whether you’re allowed to use tape for days or if it’s only supposed to be used during the daytime.
Conclusion
Your ankle sprain recovery time primarily depends on the extent of your injury. However, if you apply the proper treatment, you will heal faster. Home remedies are available, but you can always ask for professional help.
Many people, though, recommend strapping, the RICE treatment, heat therapy, exercise, and consulting a physical therapist as effective ankle sprain treatments. Most of these treatments involve rest, support, and bandage or strapping.
For strapping, there are kinesiology tapes available that do more than support your injured feet. It helps you feel less pain, reduces swelling faster, and improves overall treatment.