A sprained ankle is the most common ankle injury, and it occurs when one or more of the ligaments have been twisted, torn, or stretched. With a minor sprain, some of the fibers within the ligament are stretched – but with more serious sprains, the ligament might be torn.
Most minor sprains can be treated at home, but anything more than that needs prompt medical attention and might even require surgery. If you’re in doubt, you should get yourself to the hospital for an X-ray.
Below are 6 first aid steps that you should take if you suspect that you have sprained your ankle.
1. Rest the Leg
You should immediately stop the activity that caused the injury, sit down, and rest the ankle. Make sure to support it in a raised position.
2. Cool with Ice
Cool your ankle with some ice to help reduce swelling and pain. Ideally, you should wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas in a cloth and place it on your ankle. Don’t put the ice straight onto the skin, as this will cause a cold burn. Leave the ice in place for around 20 minutes.
3. Apply Pressure
Leave the compress in place if it’s small, or wrap a layer of soft padding, such as some cotton wool, around your ankle. Apply pressure with a compression support or compression bandage to help limit the swelling. This should extend from the toes to the knee.
4. Elevate the Ankle
Raise and support your ankle so that it’s higher than your hip to help prevent swelling – and make sure to get adequate rest. If your injury seems serious, get to the hospital.
5. Check Circulation
Make sure that the bandage is not too tight. Press on one of your toenails until it turns white, then let go. The color should return very quickly. If it doesn’t, the bandage is too tight; remove it and reapply. Recheck every ten minutes.
6. Reapply the Cold Compress over the Bandage Every 2-3 Hours
Remove the bandage at night and don’t sleep with an ice pack on the injury.
Source: rd
Images: depositphotos
Heal Your Dry and Cracked Lips With These 7 Great Tips
Dry lips are one of those little things that can drive us absolutely, illogically crazy. Here are 10 quick ways to treat the problem.
Be Aware of These Foods as They Can Cause Food Poisoning
Each year around 76 million people contract food poisoning. Many different foods can cause it, but some foods are more high-risk. Here's 10 of them.
Living Happily into Your 90s is Not as Hard as You Thought
Life expectancy has increased and living into your 90s is commonplace, however living well requires some attention. Here are tips for fulfilling golden years.
This is How You Protect Children from Waterborne Diseases
Waterborne infections are on the increase, so this is how you can prevent your grandchildren from picking one up.
These 5 Foods Will Help You Fall Asleep Immediately
Having trouble sleeping? Here are five foods that can help you out!
The Secret is Out! These Tips Can Help You Achieve Old Age
We all want as many healthy years a possible, but the secret to long life isn't a simple one. However, here are some tips that could help prolong your life.
FINALLY I Get to Use My Leftover Butter!
The butter you have left in your fridge finally has some great uses for you.
If You Wear These Shoes Often, You Are Damaging Your Feet
Wearing these shoes often can damage your feet!
Tips and Tricks to Help You Choose the Freshest Vegetables
With the help of these science-based tricks, you will only choose the best vegetables at the supermarket to bring back home.
WD-40: Here Are 12 Fantastic Uses You Never Thought Of
This is why you always need to keep a can of WD-40 on your property!
These Easy Fruit Arrangements Are So Refreshing...
A collection of 13 summery delights that will both please the eyes as well as the pallet.
29 Facts That Show Truth Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
History is rich in plot twists and these amazing stories are strange but true, proving history is sometimes stranger than fiction. Which one of these will blow your mind?
Who Needs a Professional Cleaner With These Tips?
These stubborn stains can easily be removed with a little guidance.
DIY Corner: A Cool Technique for Christmas Decorations!
This is how you can use packing tape to make a sticker out of anything. Sounds too easy? It truly is!
Here's How You Can Declutter Your Home in Just One Month
If you're looking to declutter your home but don't know where to begin, these 12 tips might just help you out!
I Just Found the Most Useful Material in the House!
Toothpaste has so many uses - it's truly amazing. Next time you encounter any of these problems, turn to this list to find out how toothpaste can help.
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
What is Your MBTI Personality? Discover Now!
A great way to find out what kind of personality you have, using a scientific personality test.
16 Human Foods You Can Share With Your Dog or Cat
In this article, we will present you with 8 foods for dogs and 8 foods for cats.
Don’t Throw Away Banana Peels! They Have Some Great Uses
Before you throw throw away the next banana peel into the trash can, read about the great ways it can be used.
This Ice Cube Hack Will Keep Your Burger Juicy
Check out these essential tips to ensure a juicy burger.
11 Great Ways to Use Plastic Hooks Around the House
11 ways to use plastic hooks to find creative solutions to household problems.
This DIY Solution Can Clean Even the Dirtiest of Bathtubs
Nobody likes getting down on their hands and knees to scrub the grime off the bathtub. Thankfully, this fantastic concoction will do all the hard work for you!
10 Great Money Tips from the World's Most Successful People
People rarely find success by accident. So why don’t you set yourself up for financial success by listening to the following pieces of advice.
10 Reasons Why Your Nonstick Cookware Is SO Short-Lasting
Here are 10 common cooking and maintenance mistakes that can ruin nonstick cookware for you to avoid in the future!
The Art of Reading Faces: Tips from an Expert
Learn all about reading people’s faces with useful tips from former FBI agent and body language expert Joe Navarro.
16 Heaven-Scent Plants That’ll Make Your Home Smell Divine
This article contains a list of 16 divinely-smelling plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
10 Quick and Easy Solutions to 10 Common Cleaning Problems
We have searched high and low to bring you ten easy solutions that solve a number of everyday household cleaning issues. You are sure to find these useful!
The Genius Ways to Wrap Awkwardly Shaped Gifts
To save yourself a little money, and to help you get a tad more creative this festive season, we've got the perfect solution for you.
Discover 6 Easy Ways to Clean a Home with Hydrogen Peroxide
We all want to see our homes clean and sparkling, and it turns out that with hydrogen peroxide - something we all have at home- this can be done with ease!
14 Little Known Ways to Save on Gas While Driving!
If you take heed of these 14 easy pieces of advice, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on gas.
DIY Secrets: Make Your Own, Home-Made Ziploc Bags!
This video will teach you how to make your own home-made Ziploc bags.
These 12 Simple Actions Will Keep Your Mind Sharp
The brain, the most important organ in our bodies responsible for countless actions, sometimes needs a little help, here are 12 unique ways to help it.
This DIY Shampoo Bar is Easy to Make and Great for Hair
Why harm your hair with toxic chemicals when you can make a natural shampoo bar at home?
26 Handy Tips That'll Fit Any Kitchen
These tips will make you a master of the kitchen, full of little secrets and shortcuts...
7 Myths About Burning Calories
Burning calories is something we all want, but we need to know what we're doing first, and that means disproving these 7 common but misguided myths about calorie burning.
WARNING: These 6 Habits Are Damaging Your Teeth!
When brushing our teeth and going about our daily lives, we make mistakes that can damage them. Here are 6 of such mistakes.
These 2 Solutions Will Help You Say Goodbye to Plaque!
If you have some plaque on your teeth that you need to get rid of, we recommend that you try out this brilliant home remedy!
Quick! Grab Some Steel Wool, and Here's What You Do...
We have compiled 11 tips for various household uses, along with a bonus tip you can use on a field trip.
This Special Kind of Bread is Both Beautiful and Delicious
Tired of regular bread? How about surprising everyone with this beautiful and delicious "Watermelon Bread"? It's so easy to make!
NEVER Pop These 7 Types of Bumps and Blemishes
When it comes to bumps and blemishes, keep your hands off. Keep your complexion fresh and flawless with these handy tips.
Here's Why You Should Start Using Eggshells in Your Garden
If you throw all your eggshells in the trashcan you're missing out as they can be very beneficial to your garden. Here are 6 garden uses for eggshells.
10 Products You Should Never Consume on a Plane
Eating on a plane is fine, but there are actually certain food and drinks that you should avoid consuming while flying. Here are 10 of them!
4000 Years of History in One Glorious Map
In one incredible map we see thousands of years of history.
10 Kitchen Tips That Will Turn You into a Culinary Master
The following 10 kitchen tips will take you one step closer to becoming a culinary god.
12 Uses for Lemon Peels that Made My Life Easier...
Lemon peels are incredibly rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers that can increase your food’s nutritional value, aid in house cleaning, and even be used to maintain your skin’s health.
Guide: How to Keep Street Cats Away Without Harming Them
This comprehensive guide provides you with a thorough plan of action for each strategy, ensuring that you can execute these tactics efficiently and effectively.