A sprain occurs when a ligament is torn or injured. As such, an ankle sprain is the twisting, tearing or injuring of the ankle ligament. An ankle sprain is very common especially on people that are heavily involved in rigorous kinds of sports, exercises or people involved in lifting heavy equipment.
Ankle sprain could also occur if you wear high-heeled shoes or if you are running or walking on uneven ground.
Symptoms of ankle sprain include; inflammation, pain, skin discoloration, tenderness, and difficulty to move ankle.
Below are 17 natural home remedies and treatments for sprained ankles;
1. Arnica
Apply arnica essential oil, balm or ointment to the affected sprained ankle. Arnica has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that reduce the swelling and inflammation of the sprained ankle as well as healing and strengthening muscles and joints around the sprained ankle. Arnica also improves blood circulation around the sprained ankle.
2. Garlic
Massage the affected area with a mixture of garlic oil and almond oil. Garlic has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that make it an effective home remedy for sprained ankles. Garlic helps reduce the pain and inflammation caused by the sprain. Also, garlic’s healing property would quicken the healing process as well as increase body strength around the ankle.
3. Epsom Salt
Soak the sprained ankle in an Epsom salt and water solution for 30 minutes. Epsom salt’s magnesium sulfate crystals are capable of calming both muscles and nerves around the sprained ankle.
4. Compression
Gently Compress or bandage the sprained ankle to stop the swelling, reduce pain and prevent more tearing of the ligament. For the compression, you could use tape, elastic, special boots or bandages.
5. Ice Pack
Apply an ice pack compress to the sprained ankle for about 15 minutes. The ice can help stop the swelling and inflammation. It can also numb the pain. The ice stops any bleeding from the injured ligament and also reduces swelling. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2579462/)
6. Onion
Tie an onion poultice to the affected ankle. Onion has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling of the ankle sprain. This makes onion an effective remedy for sprains, arthritis, and rheumatoid pain.
7. Cabbage
Place warm cabbage poultice on the sprained ankle for 30 to 60 minutes. Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective as a remedy for a sprained ankle. Cabbage is also rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help to quicken the healing process.
8. Olive Oil
Gently massage warm olive oil to the affected area. Olive oil has a potent anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The anti-inflammatory properties, due to certain active phenolic compounds, help reduce swelling and inflammation. Also, olive oil’s healing properties help quicken the healing process.
9. Castor Oil
Gently massage warm castor oil around the sprained ankle. Castor oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This help reduce the pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by the sprain.
10. Rest
Rest the sprained ankle for a couple of days. This would help speed up the healing process.
11. Rosemary Oil
Apply rosemary oil to the sprained ankle. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a potent home remedy for reducing swelling and pain caused by the sprained ankle.
12. Marjoram Oil
Soak a towel in a diluted solution of sweet marjoram oil and water. Squeeze the excess water from the towel and place on the sprained ankle. Sweet marjoram has antispasmodic, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help relieve pain and swelling of the sprained ankle.
13. Turmeric
Apply a paste of turmeric powder, and warm water to the affected area. Turmeric has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that make it a good home remedy for sprained ankles. Turmeric would help reduce the pain by reducing the swelling and inflammation. Also, turmeric’s antispasmodic property would help relax the tissues and muscles around the sprained ankle.
14. Ginger
Apply ginger oil to the affected ankle. Ginger is effective in reducing the pain and swelling of the sprained ankle.
15. Helichrysum (Everlasting Flower)
Apply helichrysum essential oil to the affected ankle. Helichrysum has anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic, antioxidant and tissue regenerative properties that help reduce the swelling, inflammation, and pain caused by the sprain.
16. White Fir Oil
Apply a mixture of white fir oil and a carrier oil (preferably olive oil) on the affected ankle. White fir oil has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe aching muscles and heals muscles sores. This makes it a good remedy for an ankle sprain.
17. Elevation
Raise the sprained ankle above your heart level for 2 or 3 hours in a day. This would help reduce bruising and inflammation.
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