The New York Nets’ Deron Williams knows all too well the risks in the game he loves as multiple ankle sprains and ailments have now landed him in a position to attempt surgery as a means of getting back to full playing health. An ankle sprain can happen in a moment’s notice, whether you’re a professional athlete on the court or simply step off the curb wrong while getting your mail. When it happens, do you know the best methods for sprained ankle treatment? There is often confusion on when to use ice on an injury and when to use heat—we’ll sort it out for you. This way, you’ll be ready should a sprain happen to you.
With an acute injury such as an ankle sprain, the ligaments, tendons, and muscles that surround the ankle joint are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. The result can be bleeding in the underlying tissues, which is what causes immediate swelling as the body attempts to heal the injury.
Ice is the immediate treatment method that should be applied. The cold therapy causes the blood vessels surrounding the injury to constrict and limit blood flow, which helps to limit swelling and pain. Put ice in a wet tea towel or use a frozen bag of vegetables and ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes every three to four hours. Heat should be applied after a couple of days when the swelling has gone down and the pain is at a minimum. Heat opens up the vessels to promote blood flow and stimulates healing of the damaged tissues. It can ease pain and improve stiffness before activity.
While you may be as tough as nails, you don’t want to be pushing through the pain of an ankle sprain. Without correct treatment or healing, you’re at risk for continued pain and chronic ankle instability. Contact Mark Gasparini, D.P.M. for quick and effective treatment so you can get back on your feet, doing what you love. Call our Massapequa, NY, office at (516) 804-9038 to make an appointment today.
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