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Home Remedy Foot Soak for Ankle Swelling & Pain

The ankle is a delicate part of the body. It is comprised of ligaments, muscles and bones. While the ankle is seemingly strong enough to bear the body’s weight, it is also extremely prone to injuries. Injuries can occur from playing sports, tripping, walking on an uneven surface or sustaining a muscle pull. While a hurt ankle can be painful, home remedies can help relieve ankle swelling and pain.

  1. Treatment

    • Ankle pain can be felt on outside or inside of the ankle and could signal a serious injury. You should see a doctor if ankle pain is persistent. However, if the ankle is swelling and painful, you can treat it symptoms right away at home. One way to treat ankle pain is to ice the ankle. You can ice the ankle by applying an ice pack covered in a towel to the ankle and securing it in place with an ACE bandage. You can also ice the ankle by putting the foot and ankle into a slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes. You should continue putting the ankle into the slush bath every two to three hours for the first 48 to 72 hours of the injury. Ice is important for a swollen ankle because cold temperatures reduce swelling, soreness and inflammation. However, if the treated area begins to turn white, cease treatment right away. You should talk to your doctor before you apply ice to your injury if you have a condition such as diabetes, vascular disease or decreased feeling in your feet.

    When To Seek Medical Care

    • If you suspect that your ankle injury is serious, call your doctor. Tell her what you are experiencing and determine whether your symptoms indicated a sprained ankle or a broken ankle. One of the most common types of ankle injuries is a sprained ankle. A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle ligaments are stretched or pulled in an abnormal way beyond their normal motion. A sprained ankle commonly occurs from awkwardly twisting, rolling, landing wrong or stepping on and uneven surface. Symptoms of a sprained ankle are swelling, occasional bruising, pain, sometimes a popping sound is heard, and the ankle experiences a limited range of motion. If the ankle is causing pain, it could be broken, and you should go to the hospital immediately.

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