How to Recover from a Sprained Ankle as an Athlete
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that athletes suffer. It occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are damaged. You may have to miss a few practices and games. However, there are several things that you can do in order to treat this condition.
Get a DOT Physical Exam
It is important for you to make sure that you get a medical evaluation. You can get your ankle evaluated while you get a DOT physical exam. They will make sure that your ankle is not broken. They can perform x-rays and other tests. If your symptoms are mild, then your health care provider will recommend that you take care of your injury at home.
RICE
The R.I.C.E method is the standard treatment for most injuries. It stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate. You will need to rest and avoid activities that can make your injuries worse. Applying ice to the area for 20 minutes can reduce the swelling. Wrap the ice in a towel before you put it on your skin. Compression will also help stop the swelling. You can apply a bandage to your ankle. Avoid wrapping the bandage too tight. Elevating the ankle will also help reduce the swelling. That is why you should keep your leg elevated above the heart level.
Medication
There are some over-the-counter medications that can be used to reduce your pain and swelling. You can take Advil, Motrin and Tylenol. It is important to note that these medications are not meant to be used for long periods of time.
Therapy
You may want to get physical therapy before you return to your sport. A physical therapist can help you perform balancing exercises. They can also help you strengthen your muscles. This can help you avoid suffering another injury in the future. There are several other benefits that you can reap from getting physical therapy. It can help you reduce your pain. It can also improve your range of motion. Your range of motion has a tendency to decrease when you suffer an injury.
It can be frustrating to deal with a sprained ankle. The good news is that you can recover quickly if you take the proper steps. You will need to get the proper medical diagnosis. You will also need to use the R.I.C.E. method and take medication. Additionally, you should get physical therapy.
