Have you ever suffered from a sprained ankle? If so, then you are unfortunately one of the many people who experience this common type of injury. While it can cause serious discomfort and hinder your ability to move around, what if there was something more serious that could occur if left untreated? This blog post will discuss some of the important things you should do.
Don’t Put Weight On It
When you’ve sprained your ankle, it can be tempting to try and push through the pain to keep up with your daily activities. However, the therapists working at https://rehab49.com/ always suggest against this in the early stages. Doing so could cause your injury to worsen, and lead to a longer recovery time.
Instead, it’s important to listen to your body and not put weight on your sprained ankle, at least for the first few days. This will allow your body to focus on healing the injured area, and prevent any further damage. Remember, taking the time to rest and recover now will help you to get back to your regular routine faster in the long run. So, take it slow and let your body do what it does best – heal itself.
Attend Physical Therapy
Attending physical therapy can be the key to a speedy recovery. For instance, when dealing with a sprained ankle, it’s vital to receive proper care, that’s where physical therapy comes in. While some may believe that a sprained ankle is a minor injury that will heal on its own, this is not always the case.
If left untreated, a sprained ankle can turn into something much worse, causing long-term damage, pain, and discomfort. Physical therapy can help prevent further damage, offer a personalized recovery plan, and provide support through the healing process.
Wear Proper Footwear
When you’re suffering from a sprained ankle, it can be tempting to throw on any shoes that will fit over the bandages. However, wearing improper footwear can actually make the injury worse. It’s important to wear shoes that will provide enough support to prevent further damage. Flip flops, high heels, and old worn-out sneakers just won’t cut it. Opt for the following shoes:
- athletic shoes
- hiking boots
- work boots
- ankle braces
- walking shoes
- orthotic inserts
This will help alleviate the pressure on your ankle as you walk. With the proper footwear, you can still go about your day-to-day activities without worrying about aggravating your sprain. Remember, wearing the right shoes doesn’t just prevent further damage – it also speeds up the healing process. So, take the time to choose your shoes carefully and your ankle will thank you.
Rest Your Ankle
If you’re dealing with a sprained ankle, it’s important to give your body time to heal. Resting it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the injury from getting worse. Taking a break from physical activity and giving your ankle time to heal will reduce swelling and inflammation, allowing the injury to properly heal.
Rushing back into intense physical activity too soon can lead to further injury, undoing all of the progress you’ve made. Listen to your body and give yourself time to recover, and you’ll be back to your normal activities in no time.
Apply Heat
If you’ve ever sprained your ankle, you know just how painful and frustrating it can be. Luckily, applying heat can be a simple and effective way to promote healing and alleviate discomfort. This type of therapy works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Whether you choose to use a warm compress, take a warm bath, or use a heating pad, be sure to keep the heat at a comfortable level and avoid overheating the area. With a bit of patience and diligence, you can help your sprained ankle heal more quickly and get back to your daily activities in no time.
Be Patient
Staying patient is key to healing. It might be tempting to jump back into your regular routine and activities, but giving your ankle time to heal is imperative. Not only does this mean taking a break from any strenuous exercise or activities, but it also means avoiding rushing the healing process.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the recommended methods of treatment for a sprained ankle, and it’s important to stick to them even when you’re itching to get moving again. Remember: trust the healing process and be patient. Soon enough, you’ll be back on your feet and ready to tackle the world once more.
Managing a sprained ankle takes time, and patience is key. Allowing it to rest, avoiding putting any weight on it, applying heat, and wearing proper footwear are all vital parts of the healing process. Regular attendance at physical therapy can help to reduce the recovery time significantly and ensure that the injured joint returns to its original condition. Unfortunately, most sprains cannot be cured completely, but with proper protection and care, they can become less bothersome over time. Dealing with it can be difficult and often painful but taking steps to properly address it will help you obtain a successful recovery.