We’ve all been there: we are walking normally when all of a sudden we unexpectedly roll an ankle. Not only is this painful, but if it is not healed properly, it will result in a recurring injury and pain in the future. There are various ligaments and tendons throughout the ankle that can be difficult to heal, especially because it is necessary to keep weight off of your ankle while it is healing. If you have a sprained ankle in Joliet, here are some tips on how to heal it and get back on your feet in no time.
Does the RICE Method Work?
You may have heard of the RICE method to help heal your ankle sprain, which is a combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation to help aid in the recovery process. While this is a good approach, you should also make sure that your injured limb is protected and try to keep it still as much as possible in the following days after an injury.
Is Exercise Beneficial?
It sounds counterintuitive, but mild exercise can be a great method to help speed up the recovery process after experiencing a sprained ankle in Joliet. However, make sure that you don’t overdo it! Utilize gentle exercises that help increase the blood flow in your ankle. You can also help strengthen muscles in the calf and the ankle to help avoid ankle sprains in the future.
Ice vs. Heat
There is still debate over whether icing or heating a sprained ankle is more beneficial. As a general rule of thumb, if it provides relief, you should do it. You can use an ice pack for around 15 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 72 hours following the injury.
If you notice that your sprained ankle in Joliet is getting worse, make sure to schedule an appointment with our team at Suburban Foot & Ankle.
