What to do if you sprain your ankle? While visiting your doctor is a must, you can additionally try these 5 homemade remedies to ease the pain.
The sprained ankle can be very painful and does not allow us to walk or move as we want. Having remedies that improve symptoms and allow faster recovery is essential.
Suffering from an ankle sprain is more common than you think, especially when we wear heels or walk in a hurry.
In addition, the pain it causes can be quite strong. And to that we must add the fact of not being able to tread well maybe for days.
In the following article we will tell you how to reduce pain with home remedies and treatments. These can help you recover faster and return to your daily activities without problems or discomfort.
How does an ankle sprain occur?
As a first step it is necessary to know what it is and how an ankle sprain occurs.
To do this, we must talk about the ligaments. These structures give stability to the joints and are a kind of “ropes” that allow movements.
When these tense excessively, they break. This is how what is known as a sprain is produced. The ankle is the most common, mainly in active people.
In the case of women who wear heels, the possibility of suffering an ankle sprain is greater due to the position of the foot.
If we only support the fingers, the rest of the foot is unstable and the ligaments tense more than normal. Therefore, it is not necessary to fall or bend the ankle in an incorrect way to suffer an injury. Sometimes, wearing certain shoes is enough.
What to do if you sprain your ankle?
Once the injury occurs, it is very important to immobilize the area, that is, walk as little as possible, or even rest.
Some natural remedies can help relieve a sprained ankle and help repair damaged tissues, ligaments and tendons. Among them we recommend:
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Red clay and wine vinegar plaster
This is a very old remedy, which perhaps your mother or grandmother knows. This can be used for any bruise or sprain.
The plaster is a sticky and somewhat thick mixture that is applied medicinally to different parts of the body.
Clay has many properties: to heal, prevent infections, sedate, reduce inflammation and remineralize. This is due to its content in vitamins and minerals, such as iron.
In the case of wine vinegar, it will be responsible for disinfecting and providing hydration to the plaster. In addition, it will prevent bruising. This is due to its antibacterial properties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of red clay powder (180 g)
- Wine Vinegar (amount needed)
- Plastic film
What should you do?
First, place a cup of red clay in a large bowl. Then, add the wine vinegar while mixing it with both hands.
The idea is to form an easy paste to apply in the affected area.
Then let it dry (it will harden). Finally, wrap with a transparent or plastic film and, after 20 minutes, remove with warm to warm water.
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Ice
Applying cold is one of the best ways to reduce inflammation in an ankle sprain. However, for it to take effect, it must be placed as quickly as possible once the injury has occurred.
What should you do?
Put several ice cubes in a plastic bag and press on the area.
Then, lie on the couch or bed and put your foot up, above the level of the heart. Thus, you will prevent the accumulation of blood and reduce swelling.
Hold the ice for 15 minutes, wait half an hour and then apply again.
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Epsom salt
Epson salt contains magnesium, a very effective mineral to relieve muscle pain.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
- ½ cup of Epsom salts (75 g)
What should you do?
Heat a liter of water and pour into a bowl. Next, add half a cup of Epsom salts and stir well to dissolve and cool.
When the liquid is at room temperature (you can mix it with cold water), introduce the foot and leave half an hour.
You can repeat this process twice a day.
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Hot compresses
Once 24 hours have passed since the ankle sprain has occurred and the swelling has subsided, it is likely that it hurts less.
That does not mean that there is nothing we can do to feel better.
Hot compresses can be very useful, since they set the blood in motion and help the muscles recover.
You can place a cloth dampened with hot water, use an electric pad or cover your foot with many blankets.
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Chamomile
Many natural herbs can help you when you have an ankle sprain. In addition to chamomile, you can use horsetail, burdock or comfrey.
All these plants have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for the muscles.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of the chosen herb (60 g)
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
What should you do?
First, add the herb of your choice in a bowl of boiling water. Do it in a similar way to the Epsom salts option.
Then, try to keep the water warm when entering the foot and leave it for at least 20 minutes.
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Cayenne pepper
This spice so used in cooking because of its aroma, taste and color has medicinal properties more than interesting.
Therefore, you can take advantage of it if you have a sprain. Everything is thanks to capsaicin, its main component, which helps calm the pain.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of hot water (250 ml)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
What should you do?
In a cup with hot water dissolve a pinch of cayenne pepper and then soak a cloth or cotton ball.
Finally, go through the affected area and do not rinse.
In case you suffer an ankle sprain, we recommend that you consult a doctor, so that he can offer you adequate treatment. Home remedies serve as a supplement or first aid.
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