Heal a Sprained Ankle with Complementary Remedies

A sprain can occur anywhere in the body, although the ankle is the most vulnerable site. Without suitable treatment, it could remain damaged for a long time.

A sprained ankle can happen to anyone. It’s an injury that occurs when you suddenly twist your ankle while running, walking, don’t warm up enough before exercising, etc. In addition to seeing a doctor, you can use natural remedies as a complement to your medical treatment in order to help it heal faster.

Basic Tips and Recommendations for a Sprained Ankle

After a strain of your ligaments, the first thing you should do is avoid putting your weight on the injured foot as you set it on the ground. Furthermore, immobilize it as much as possible. Release any type of pressure off it and use a cane or crutches when attempting to walk.

A sprained ankle is a serious injury that takes a while to heal.

That said, the first thing you should do is to rest. In addition, elevate your leg to the height of your heart as much as possible in order to reduce inflammation and pain.

Another thing you can do to get relief is to wiggle your toes as often as you can. This’ll also promote your prompt recovery and reduce inflammation.

Gentle stretching is also recommended, as it will improve circulation on your ankle.

Complimentary Remedies to Improve a Sprained Ankle

There are many natural remedies to help heal a sprained ankle out there and they can complement those prescribed by a doctor.

If the injury is very mild, then it can be treated at home using some easy-to-make/easy-to-apply remedies. On the contrary, if your sprained ankle is really bad, then to go directly to a specialist who can treat it.

Ice Compress

Ice is one of the home remedies that’s best known to improve ankle sprains. At the time of the twist, an ice pack or gel applied on the affected area will help decrease the swelling.
Ice compresses can be repeated in sessions of 15 or 20 minutes, every three or four hours, for a week. Of course, it’ll all depend on the healing of the injury and the kind of pain you feel.

Note that ice should never be applied directly to the skin as it could lead to burns.

Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium sulfate is another great treatment for a sprained ankle.

• Dilute it in 1/2 a cup of warm water.
• Introduce the injured foot in this liquid for 30 minutes, twice a day, for three to four consecutive days.

Essential Oils

Natural oils are excellent alternatives to treat a sprained ankle and relieve the pain and inflammation that come with it. These are merely complementary remedies to help reduce inflammation and lessen the pain by relaxing your muscles.

There are many natural oils you can use for this purpose: castor oil, coconut oil, garlic oil, onion oil, turmeric oil, arnica oil or olive oil.

• Apply them to the area and cover with a bandage and keep them on for at least half an hour.
• Repeat it daily for up to a week. A further application will depend on the progress of your injury.

In addition, it’s important to know how to apply bandages, which serve to keep the area of ​​the foot, toes, and ankles up to the knee from moving. This area should be relaxed and not exert pressure in order to promote good circulation.

Turmeric and Onion

Mix turmeric powder with lemon to obtain a thick paste. Place it directly on the injured area. In addition, you can mix it with a glass of warm milk and drink it twice for pain relief.

Alternatively, cut the onion into pieces and add salt to make a soft paste. Apply it with a bandage to the affected area and let it act for two hours. You may repeat it as many times as you need to in order to maximize its anti-inflammatory effect.

Heal a Sprained Ankle with Arnica and Olive Oil

Arnica and oil together are a power duo when it comes to decreasing bruises and inflammation.

• Apply some drops to the affected area and massage. Let it sit for at least five hours.

Also, you can mix olive oil with an egg yolk and place it directly in the injured area.

• Cover the ointment with cotton and a bandage. Leave it on for two days.

The third remedy is to apply several drops of previously heated olive oil directly to the affected area.

• Massage gently. You may repeat it up to four times a day.

If you learn how to heal a sprained ankle using complementary natural remedies, it may help you recover faster. Using these methods is very simple and inexpensive but, above all, effective. (As long as you use them together with the treatments indicated by your doctor, that is.)