Home Treatment For Ankle Injuries

Ligaments are tissues that connect the bones of a joint to provide stability during the joint's action. when the ankle is twisted severely, either the ligament or the bone must give way. if the ligaments give way, they may be stretched (strained), partially torn (sprained), or completely torn (torn ligaments). if the ligaments don't give way, one of the bones around the ankle will break (fracture).

Strains, sprains, and even some minor fractures of the ankle will heal well with the home treatment. some torn ligaments do without a great deal of medical care; operations to repair them are rare. for practical purposes, the immediate attention of the doctor is necessary only when the injury has been severe enough to cause obvious fracture to the bones around the ankle or to cause a completely from ligament. this is indicated by a deformed joint with abnormal motion.

Swelling
The typical ankle sprain swells either around the bony bump at the outside of the ankle or about two inches (5cm) in front of and below it. the amount of swelling doesn't differentiate among sprains, tears, and fractures.

A swollen ankle that isn't deformed doesn't need prolonged rest, casting, or x-rays. home treatment should be started promptly. detection of any damage to the ligaments may be difficult immediately after the injury if much swelling is present. because it is easier to do an adequate examination of the foot after the swelling has gone down and because no damage is done by resting a mild fracture or torn ligament, there is no need to rush to the doctor.

Pain
Pain tells you what to do and not to do. if it hurts, don't do it. if pain prevents any standing on the ankle after 24 hours, see a doctor. if little progress is being made so that pain makes weight- bearing difficult at 72 hours, see the doctor.

Home Treatment:
RIP is the key word:
1. rest
2. ice
3. protection
Rest the ankle and keep it elevated. apply ice in a towel to the injured area and leave it there for at least 30 minutes, if there's any evidence of swelling after the first 30 minutes, then apply ice for 30 minutes on and 15 minutes off through the next few hours. if the ankle stops being painful while elevated, you may cautiously try to put weight on the leg. if the ankle is still painful when bearing weight, you should avoid putting weight on that leg for the first 24 hours. heat may be applied, but only after 24 hours. an elastic bandage can help but won't prevent re-injury if you resume full activity. don't stretch the bandage so that it's very tight and interface with blood circulation. you generally shouldn't try taping on children; if it's done incorrectly, it may cut off circulation to the foot. the ankle should feel relatively normal in about ten days. be warned, however, that full healing won't take place for four to six weeks. if strenous activity, such as organized the ankle should be taped by someone experienced in this technique.