How To Wrap A Sprained Ankle | NYP (2024)

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How To Wrap A Sprained Ankle | NYP? ›

Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap the bandage around your foot and ankle in a figure-eight pattern once. Then you can put the pad under your anklebone

A sprained ankle is actually an injury to the ligaments that support the bones in your ankle joint. To help stabilize the joint, while the ligaments heal, you may need to wrap the ankle. There are a few different types of tapes, bandages, and braces that are effective and easy to use.

Keep motion within your pain-free zone to avoid making the injury worse. Gradually return to your normal activities as long as your pain doesn't increase. At first, this includes walking short distances, such as to the bathroom, then progressing to your normal level of walking.

The bandage should provide a snug compression, but not restrict blood flow. Please remove compression bandages at night while sleeping. for best results. As swelling reduces it may be necessary to adjust compression bandage.

Keep the bandage snug during the day, but loosen it before you go to bed. Remember, just because your ankle is wrapped doesn't mean you should use it. You need to rest it and give it time to heal. And before you know it, you'll be back on your feet.

Sudden pain, swelling, trouble walking, and other symptoms can signal a need for medical attention. Waiting too long can lead to repeat injuries, more complex treatments, worse long-term results, and even arthritis. “Acute, sudden pain in the ankle with a trauma is often caused by an ankle injury,” Dr.

A grade 1 sprain can take one to three weeks for recovery, while a grade 2 can take three to six weeks, and a grade 3 or a high ankle sprain recovery can last several months.

The ligaments in the ankle are sensitive to further injury, so adding some level of support is a good way to promote healing. Compression socks provide that added support and stability to the ankle and can help in recovery.

Grade 1 Sprain: Slight stretching and some damage to the fibers (fibrils) of the ligament. Grade 2 Sprain: Partial tearing of the ligament. If the ankle joint is examined and moved in certain ways, abnormal looseness (laxity) of the ankle joint occurs.

Is it OK to leave a sprained ankle? ›

Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, a severely injured ankle may not heal well and could lose its range of motion and stability, resulting in recurrent sprains and more downtime in the future.

What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in an Ankle? You can feel sudden pain, and a tearing, snapping or popping sensation – which might be so bad you can't put weight on your foot – and swelling around your ankle joint. In some cases, there may bruising that extends down your foot and up your calf.

The key difference is the severity of the problem; a sprained ankle is akin to a twisted ankle, but the injury is greater and more painful. You are most likely suffering from a sprain if the ankle is swollen and bruised, and it causes worse pain.

Painkillers like paracetamol(external link opens in a new window / tab) will ease the pain and ibuprofen(external link opens in a new window / tab) will bring down the swelling. You shouldn't take ibuprofen for 48 hours after your injury as it may slow down healing.

For less severe injuries, a person can try gentle massage at home. Some people find that massaging the bottom of the foot or heel provides relief. Others prefer to massage around or just above the ankle. A person should stop massaging the area if it causes pain or worsens symptoms.

If you happen to step on an uneven surface or lose your balance, your ankle is held in proper position. Physicians often recommend that you wear a brace during activities for up to 12 months after an ankle sprain.

Rest the injured limb for the next 24 - 48 hours with the foot elevated but gently mobilise the injured area to prevent stiffness. Ice may be applied to the ankle for up to 20 minutes every two hours for the first 24 - 48 hours.

Follow your doctor's directions for wearing a splint or elastic bandage. Wrapping the ankle may help reduce or prevent swelling. Your doctor may give you a splint, a brace, an air stirrup, or another form of ankle support to protect your ankle until it is healed. Wear it as directed while your ankle is healing.