You don't have to be an athlete to suffer from a sprained ankle. It is a dangerously common occurrence, which why you need to be equipped with the most effective home remedies for sprained ankle, so that it doesn't develop into a condition more serious than it is.
You might be caught unawares by a ankle sprain. A lot of people are under the impression that you can only suffer from a sprained ankle when you are doing something mega sporty, that is totally not true. Did you know that you can sprain your ankle while walking, even? Here are some of the other common reasons for a sprained ankle:
- Walking too fast
- Standing up too fast
- External injury
- Bad posture
- Sleeping leg
- Tripping
- Muscle cramps
- Uncomfortable shoes
If you experience a sharp, stinging pain inside your ankles, then in all probability you've sprained your ankle, after which, walking and going about things normally becomes cumbersome. You might also notice a little swelling and redness along with inflammation in the area, apart from the pain. Here are some of the best home remedies for ankle sprain that we have curated for your benefit, so that you can improve in no time.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a miraculous natural ingredient that has been used since time immemorial to heal several injuries, including sprains and swelling. It's amazing antibacterial properties, but more to the point, it is anti-inflammatory in nature, which makes it one of the best home remedies you can use to heal your ankle sprain.
You can make a thick turmeric paste by mixing the powder with water, or also use real turmeric root and grind up to make a paste. This has to be applied topically in your ankle, so that the swelling and also the pain goes down considerably.
2. Ice cubes
Applying a cold pack to your injury is also a fantastic way to handle your injury. It's a simple and natural way to combat the pain sensation and inflammation, which immediately soothes your nerves and heals your condition. Ice includes a direct effect on the blood flow in that area, which is affected whenever you sprain your ankle. It is a simple and easy remedy for your ankle sprain problem, and it is something that most people resort to first thing.
You can either apply ice wrapped in a towel to the area, or you could also use a cold compress if you have that available. You should apply the cold compress every Twenty minutes.
3. Olive oil
Olive oil is another great remedy for problems like sprained ankles. Whenever you sprain your ankle, you typically experience symptoms like redness and swelling, all of which is effectively combated by olive oil. Good quality olive oil contains phenolic compounds that are anti-inflammatory in nature, and also help in reducing the pain considerably.
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and apply that straight to the affected area. Apply just as much pressure as is comfortable and you will see a considerable improvement inside your condition within a couple of hours.
4. Apply pressure
When you experience a sprained ankle, the first instinctive move to make is to grab your foot. This is because applying pressure to the sprain might help alleviate pain considerably helping regulate the blood flow, so the inflammation doesn't increase to some great extent.
You can either apply pressure together with your hand, or you can even tie a bandage around your injury immediately, to ensure that constant pressure helps take control of your condition and your pain.
5. Garlic
Are you wondering how you could possibly use garlic to heal your ankle sprain? It is in fact one of the best remedies because of how effective it is and how fast garlic works on problems like these. Garlic contains allicin, which is a compound noted for its anti-inflammatory nature. Garlic likewise helps your injury heal much faster.
Extract the juice of one whole garlic pod and mix it with a couple of tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this concoction topically and watch your pain and inflammation go away within 4-5 hours.
6. Onions
Onions, like garlic, are also an amazing natural remedy for sprained ankle. The properties of onion allow it to be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature and also the fumes from onions also acts as effective pain relief, without you having to take painkillers. It has the same effect because the pain-killing sprays and balms that people tend to resort to, except onions are completely natural.
Extract the juice of onions and wash your wound with that juice at least twice to thrice daily. You may also apply onion paste combined with olive oil to your injury to see marked improvement immediately.
7. Cabbage
If you worried about the onslaught of vegetables that may help heal your sprained ankle, then don't freak out. The nutrients contained in veggies are not only great for consumption, but in addition for other things like healing injuries. Cabbage, similarly, has phytonutrients along with other amazing compounds which help reduce swelling, pain, redness and muscle cramps, which is why you could use this as an effective and immediate home cure for sprained ankles.
Remove the surface of the cabbage and place a few of the inner leaves inside a microwave till they are at a warm (not hot) temperature. Bruise them so the juices of the cabbage leaves are released, and apply the leaves to your injury.
8. Castor oil
Castor oil is also an immensely healthy and nutritious oil, loaded with goodness and healing powers, which can help you recover from your ankle sprain fast. It contains ricinoleic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes your condition within an hour of use, although it is best if you keep using it two to three times a day till your condition heals completely.
To use using castor oil properly, dip a cotton ball in using castor oil and apply it to the affected region. Keep the cotton in place and wrap it in gauze or plastic wrap to keep the oil and cotton in place. On top of that, apply a hot compress to feel relief wash over you.
9. Ginger
Ginger is yet another root which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also effective for immediate pain relief. When there is swelling and pain along with your injury, then you can use ginger, with some of the other ingredients out there to make a healing potion, which you can then use on your ankle sprain.
You can mix ginger juice with using castor oil or with garlic juice and use the mixture to your ankle. The cooling effect of ginger juice can help you heal immediately.
10. Epsom salt
Epsom salt is really a rich source of important nutrients like magnesium, which is useful when you need to reduce the swelling and obtain rid of the pain on a temporary basis. However, the greater long-term effects of Epsom salt include the soothing of muscles that have a tendency to cramp more frequently when you are suffering from a sprained ankle. It is also a great way to ensure that you recover from your condition inside a couple of hours, instead of being incapacitated by it for days on end.
Dissolve a little Epsom salt in a tub full of lukewarm water. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and let your feet soak in this salt water bath for around 30 minutes, or at least till the temperature of the water returns to normalcy. Do this at least three to four times each day, till your sprained ankle is completely cured.
11. Aloe vera
It is perfectly normal for that area which you have sprained to become warm and heated during the injury. It is also likely that you will feel unbearable pain and scary looking abrasions, which you would want to get rid of instantly. One of the most underrated ways of treating a sprained ankle is by using aloe vera, which is a miracle plant able to healing almost any external ailment of the body. Aloe vera is not only anti-inflammatory in nature, but is also has cooling and soothing properties, which will help you heal in peace, without your feet heating up or any redness and pain occurring.
Take one aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel. Use the gel directly to your ankle, and let it sit that way for 15 minutes. You will see a marked difference immediately, even though it is recommended that you do this at least 3 times a day for optimum results.
Now that you're equipped with the easiest and most effective natural home remedies for sprained ankle, you don't ever have to be afraid of sitting around, not being able to do anything whatsoever. These easy remedies you can get up and about in no time!
