The fastest way to reduce ankle swelling

Ankle swelling is quite common in our daily life. The most common cause is sprain caused by carelessness while walking. If it is not particularly serious, you can use home care methods to reduce swelling. For example, using ice compresses not only has the effect of reducing swelling, but also has the effect of relieving pain. Of course, if it is more serious, you must go to the hospital for examination in time, and take X-rays to see if there is a bone fracture or if there is a problem with the ligament.

The fastest way to reduce ankle swelling

1. Apply ice immediately

Let the injured person sit on his back or lie on his back, and use items such as a backpack to elevate his feet to facilitate venous return, thereby reducing swelling and pain.

Apply ice packs or cold towels to the injured area as soon as possible to shrink the capillaries, reduce bleeding and exudation, and thus reduce swelling and pain.

If you can wet a towel with cold spring water, it can be a simple ice compress.

Control the frequency of cold compress according to the specific situation. It can be done for twenty minutes every hour, but be careful to avoid frostbite.

Apply pressure to the ankle joint and the area around it using a bandage, scarf, or any cloth item.

2. Pressure bandage treatment

While or after cold compressing, use a triangular bandage, headscarf, clothing or any other cloth item to apply pressure to the ankle joint and its surrounding area. You can also use several strips of wide tape to stick from the sole of the foot to the ankle joint and the dorsum of the foot to fix the ankle joint and reduce the range of motion. Whether applying pressure bandage or fixing with adhesive tape, the injured lateral malleolus should be turned outward or the injured medial malleolus should be turned inward. This can not only reduce swelling, but also reduce or avoid further stretching of the injured collateral ligament or muscle, thereby reducing or avoiding aggravation of injury and pain.

3. Joint fixation for fractures

If a fracture has occurred or is suspected, you should choose a wooden board or cardboard about 30 cm long and place it on both sides of the injured ankle joint, and add cotton pads, towels or clothes to the injured area. Then use a bandage or triangular bandage to firmly fix the upper and lower ends of the two wooden boards or cardboards.

4. Carry out appropriate activities

In the early stages of sprain, swelling and pain gradually increase. You should stop activity and elevate the affected limb. After the condition stabilizes, you can gradually increase the activities of the foot and ankle as long as it is not very painful.

If you sprain your ankle, do not rub the swollen area vigorously in an attempt to loosen up the accumulated hematoma; do not apply a hot towel in an attempt to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling; do not force yourself to walk or move around in pain in order to prevent "tendon retention"; and do not apply a plaster immediately.