First Aid: What to do to a Sprained Ankle

Most of us, especially those with active lifestyles, had had to deal with ankle sprain. Unfortunately, many of us don’t know what to do when it happens. And worse, we thought we knew what to do but ended up making the injury worse.

Image source: rd.com

Here are things you need to do to a sprained ankle.
To do:
You’ll know you have sprained ankles when these three things happen to your ankle: pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. There are things you can do in the first 24 to 48 hours to help alleviate pain and begin the healing process.
1.Rest.
2.Protect the injured area.
3.Use crutches or other assistive devices needed to help immobilize.
4.Compress, but not too tight.
5.Elevate the injured part above the heart to prevent inflammation.
6.Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at least every 2 hours.

Image source : rd.com

If your sprain doesn’t get better in the next two days after doing this, you should schedule an appointment with your physician so he can properly examine the extent of the injury. He may order an X-ray if there’s a chance you’ve broken a bone.
Never try to walk or shake off your injury in the hopes of pain going away. It will only make your injury worse. As soon as you experience this injury, take a rest.
My name is Jon Bunge, I’m a student taking up sports science and physiology in San Francisco. I’m a Chicago native and a big fan of our sports teams! Follow me on Twitter!