Sprained your ankle? It is one of the most common injuries with studies estimating around 25,000 people spraining their ankles every day. 

A sprained ankle happens when ligaments, which are fibrous tissues that connect bones and support your ankles, stretch and tear. It can happen while playing sports or even while walking on an uneven plane which might cause you to roll or twist your foot. 

Ankle Sprain Symptoms

Some of the most common ankle sprain symptoms include:       

  • Twisting or rolling of the ankle followed by a sudden pain
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Tender to the touch
  • Inability to walk normally
  • Inability to move the ankle 

Home Remedies for a Sprained Ankle

1.  Ice -Cold Compression Therapy

Wrap ice in a towel and hold the ice pack on your sprained ankle. Cold therapy helps the injured tissues to heal faster. Make sure you don’t apply ice directly to your skin as that can cause frostbite or cold injury. 

2.  Ayurvedic Thailams

There are a number of medicinal and herbal Ayurvedic oils or thailams that can relieve swelling and pain in no time. Here, you are required to gently massage the affected area with the oil or thailam as advised by your Ayurveda physician.

3.  RICE method 

Age old, but this remedy does wonders for relieving yourself from minor strains and sprains. 

R - Rest. The first thing you need to you if you sprain your ankle is to take ample rest. Don’t put any weight on it for at least 48 hours.

I - Ice. Apply cold wrap to the injured ankle multiple times a day to reduce pain and swelling. 

C - Compression. Applying compression wrap to your injured ankle can bring down the swelling. 

E - Elevation. Keep your injured ankle elevated above the level of your heart. This can be useful in reducing swelling.

4.  Turmeric & Salt 

Turmeric and salt are two elements used in Ayurveda extensively for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Ayurveda recommends the application of turmeric and salt lepa (medicinal paste) to ease your sprain. 

5. Proper Diet 

A proper diet helps in quick recovery from swelling and sprain. As sprains are caused due to vata dosha, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Orange juice is also a good drink to maintain the water content in the body. Make sure to include mineral-rich foods to protect yourself from sprains. Avoid strong beverages such as tea and coffee and also chocolates. 

At this juncture, we also would like to remind you that application of any home remedies without proper guidance can accentuate the injury. Also, if you are having regular sprains, then it is indicative of some circulatory issues in your legs. Get them checked as soon as you can.