With over 3 million Americans getting diagnosed with an ankle sprain each year, you’ve likely had one at some point in your life. They’re one of the most common injuries, especially when it comes to ankle injuries. When you overstretch your ankle tendon, it results in a sprained ankle, leaving you with pain. Most people try to treat their sprained ankle at home, and while that works some of the time, it’s not a sure way to recover properly from your injury.
There can be a lot of complications alongside a sprain, and leaving it without the right treatment can lead to long-term problems. The best way to avoid this is by calling your podiatrist. They’ll assist you in adequately healing the issue. Most clients, however, are curious as to how they can help. What can they do to help their ankle recover faster and more efficiently? Today, we’re sharing three of our top tips for better and faster recovery!
One: Follow RICE
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the four keys to ankle foot or ankle injury. Rest is crucial to an ankle sprain. Relax, sit down, and avoid any serious exercise and activity for now. Avoid anything that aggravates your ankle and creates further injury. Limit your walking, but if you can’t, try a cane or crutches. Next comes ice! Using a bag of frozen peas or corn works great, as the bag can easily wrap around your ankle comfortably. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 5 times a day. The final step is elevating your leg and ankle as much as you can during recovery. This improves circulation and helps eliminate swelling.
Two: Over-The-Counter Medications
If you’re experiencing pain alongside your sprain, don’t be afraid to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers! Just be sure to ask your doctor before you take anything.
Three: Act
If you suspect you have a sprain and your symptoms don’t improve at home in 2-3 days, call your podiatrist! Leaving your injury without proper treatment can create further damage and make eventual recovery more difficult. Don’t wait!
At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.