2006-12-21 15:36:45 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
there is nothing you can really do about it but rest about 3 days and take asprin to help with the pain and swelling and keep your foot elevated like on a pillow
2006-12-23 03:16:44 · answer #1 · answered by C live 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Care at home is directed toward lessening the pain and helping healing. Because most of the pain is caused by inflammation, you should try to reduce inflammation and keep it from happening.
Ice is probably the best treatment.
Applying ice to the injury will do more for most people than medications.
Ice will counteract the increased blood flow to the injured area.
It will reduce the swelling, redness, and warmth.
Applied soon after the injury, ice will prevent much of the inflammation from happening.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use a towel between the ice and the injury, or use an ice bag. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, with at least 20 minutes between applications. This is to prevent frostbite, which can occur if you use ice too much or use it directly on your skin.
Rest prevents further injury and avoids stress on already inflamed tissue.
Put the ankle joint at rest by wearing a brace or splint.
Compression wraps, such as Ace bandages, do not provide much support to prevent movement of the ankle, and you should not apply them tightly.
Elevation (keeping the injured area up as high as possible) will help the body absorb fluid that has leaked into the tissue.
Ideally, prop the ankle up so that it is above the level of your heart.
You can do this in a reclining chair.
Anti-inflammatory pain medications will reduce the pain and combat the swelling. Several are available over-the-counter, such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB and Advil are common brands) and naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn are examples).
2006-12-22 00:56:29 · answer #2 · answered by jamaica 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RICE!!
R - Rest. Stay off of it as much as possible.
I - Ice. Alternate ice (always have a barrier such as a towel between ice pack and skin) and no ice.
C - Compression - ACE wrap or such. Be sure that you do NOT cut off circulation!
E - Elevate. Keep the wounded area propped up. It doesn't have to be above the level of the heart, but keep it elevated!
AND ALWAYS . . . if in doubt, get it evaluated by a medical professional - doctor, ER, PrimeCare, etc. If you have torn muscles / tendons / ligaments or cracked a bone, they will recommend a different course of treatment!
2006-12-22 00:06:33 · answer #3 · answered by tartu_k 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the degree of ligamental injury. 1st degree-mild pain at the time of injury or within the first 24hour;mild swelling;local tenderness and pain occur when the tissue is stressed. 2nd degree-moderate pain that requires stopping of activity; stress and palpation of the tissue greatly increases pain. 3rd degree-near complete or complete tear or avulsion of the ligament with severe pain. Next, What stage is it? Is it acute(72hours), subacute(after 72hours,decrease inflammation) or chronic(absence of inflammation) stage of healing?
Check what degree and stage does your sprained ankle is in... The basic principle of treatment applies to all degree of sprain injury, and I called it "RICE" - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation - to be done right after the injury...the next step is - you should go to see a an orthopaedic doctor to give you full assessment and treatment.
2006-12-23 01:42:00 · answer #4 · answered by oubie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try and stay off it as much as possible. A sprain is not terribly serious, but if it gives you a lot of pain, take some Motrin.
2006-12-21 23:43:45 · answer #5 · answered by shadowsandfog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋