Foot injuries can be incredibly frustrating, as they can keep you from having full mobility. Whether it be a foot or ankle sprain, foot bone fracture, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, or another foot injury, the team at Mitchell Foot and Ankle can diagnose and treat these common injuries. However, when it comes to a sprained or injured ankle, there are certainly ways you can take care of yourself at home to ensure that you’re healing properly.
Applying ice
Applying cold temperatures to the injury is a great way to reduce inflammation and swelling. Put an ice pack or some sort of frozen item, such as a bag of frozen peas, on your ankle for about 20 minutes at a time, and re-apply every few hours. You can also put your injured foot in an ice bath.
Elevation
Elevation is another great technique to combat swelling. By elevating your injured foot, excess fluid is drained, therefore helping with swelling and healing. To elevate your foot correctly, make sure it’s resting above the level of your heart. If you are sitting or laying down, prop pillows or another item up so that your foot can rest up high.
Medication
If your sprained ankle is leaving you in pain, over-the-counter NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen are helpful and safe to take. They will help in reducing swelling as well as relieving pain.
Rest the Injured Foot
The best thing you can do for your foot after an injury is to not push your body to its limits and possibly injure it more. While at some point your doctor will encourage you to do some strengthening exercises or physical therapy if needed, it’s vital that you don’t put any weight on your foot or work it too hard. If you have to walk, you may need to use crutches or a wheelchair if the injury is severe enough. Try to not use that foot as much as possible.
Compression
Compression is the final part of a healing technique known as R.I.C.E- rest, ice, compression and relaxation. Try wrapping a bandage around your ankle tight enough to feel some pressure, but not to the point where it causes pain or digs into your skin. This will help keep the joint stable and level, and also aid in reducing swelling.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you suspect you sprained or injured your ankle or foot in any way, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with the foot care experts at Mitchell Foot and Ankle. If you leave an injury untreated or treat it the wrong way, you easily could be doing more harm than good.
The sooner you visit us, the sooner you can receive proper, trusted medical advice so you can be back to your normal activities. For a foot doctor by Bronzeville Chicago, contact us today.