What to do about ankle sprains

  An ankle sprain usually occurs when the ligaments between the leg and foot are torn or damaged. The first step after a sprain is to reduce activity and apply a cold compress, which can be combined with an elastic bandage and any necessary immobilization.  Immediately after a sprain of the ankle, apply a cold pack to the injured area for 15-20 minutes each time. Pay attention to the local blood circulation, skin color, and skin temperature when applying cold compresses to avoid the occurrence of frostbite. It is best to apply ice packs once every two to three hours to relieve local swelling.  Treatment of ankle injuries using medical elastic bandages for wrapping treatment, can effectively relieve local swelling. In the use of elastic bandage wrapping sprained parts, the beginning of the wrapping parts from the most distal location of the injury from the heart, the wrapping should not be too tight, otherwise it will affect the local blood circulation, resulting in the ankle ligament repair is relatively slow.  Blood-activating drugs are a class of drugs that can effectively promote blood circulation. As the ankle sprain process, there can be obvious tiny blood vessel rupture and bleeding, resulting in skin bruising and swelling. Blood-stasis-activating drugs can make the bleeding absorb faster and provide an effective blood supply for tissue recovery, facilitating recovery.  More severe ligament injuries require braking. This allows time for the ligaments to fully recover. Currently, external fixation in a cast and a special ankle brace can provide sufficient strength to limit joint movement. It facilitates the recovery of the tissues.  Ankle sprains should be photographed to rule out the possibility of a fracture.  Ankle sprains are relatively common, and the ankle joint can recover quickly through active treatment. The patient should not have too much psychological burden.