What to do if your ankle is sprained and swollen

Sprained and swollen ankles are common occurrences. There are many reasons for sprained and swollen ankles. Wearing inappropriate shoes can cause ankle sprains and swelling, uneven roads can cause ankle sprains, falling from a height can cause ankle sprains, etc. Many people are confused when they have a sprained and swollen ankle and don't know what to do. The elderly at home will tell some folk remedies, such as boiling hot water with pepper branches to scald the ankle.

Generally speaking, folk remedies have been proven to be problem-free and reliable after decades of practice. But is this really the case? Can you immediately use hot water to scald your sprained and swollen ankle? No, you should apply ice compresses at first, and only after 48 hours can you use folk remedies to scald your ankle.

1. First of all, when your ankle is sprained and swollen, you must apply cold compress within 48 hours. The cold compress can be done every two hours, each time for about fifteen minutes. Alternate between hot and cold for 48 hours to promote blood circulation. When the swelling stops increasing, you can stop the cold compress or alternate between hot and cold.

2. When your ankle is sprained and swollen, you must stop all activities and try to raise the injured part of your ankle to allow venous return and normal blood circulation, thereby reducing the pain caused by swelling and pain. At this time, you should also try to bandage the ankle joint to reduce the traction of the injured ligament or muscle caused by the movement of the injured part.

3. Finally, when the ankle is injured or sprained, many people habitually massage or rub the wound with their hands. This is an unscientific practice and may aggravate foot inflammation. When the swelling and pain disappear, you can gently rub the injured part to promote blood circulation.

If your ankle is sprained and swollen, try to stop all activities. Do not continue to exercise just because the injury is not serious, which will aggravate the swelling and pain of the injured part.

If your ankle is sprained and swollen, don't be nervous at first. Sit down and rest slowly. If conditions permit, ask family and friends to help take you home to rest and check if there are any fractures at home. Generally, if there is a fracture, you dare not move at all, and it will be very painful if you move. If you can move a little, it is just a crooked fracture and can be treated at home.