How To Treat And Prevent A Sprained Ankle

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain medication is typically used to help mild to moderate sprains. The three most common are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. It should be noted that naproxen sodium is popular for its ability to reduce inflammation. However, it should not be taken long-term because of the potential to cause organ damage. If the pain is serious, individuals should talk to a doctor about other pain management options.

A doctor should investigate pain that is too severe to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. This is because the same injuries that cause sprained ankles can also cause ankle fractures. If individuals take any medications already or have any underlying health conditions, they should talk to the pharmacist when they get the pain relievers to make sure they are safe to use. Many over-the-counter pain relievers thin the blood and make it difficult to clot, which can be dangerous if patients have a bleeding disorder or certain injuries.

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Use Of Crutches

Some patients dealing with a sprained ankle may benefit from the use of crutches. The benefits of crutches will vary from case to case. If the sprain is severe enough, such as in cases where the ligament was completely snapped, affected individuals might need crutches or a wheelchair for a prolonged period. Crutches are helpful because they keep weight off the injured ankle. This prevents pain from flaring up, and it also helps speed the healing process by keeping the ligament from being strained.

If a patient's ankle has very questionable stability or strength, their doctor may recommend using a support brace. Support braces keep the patient's ankle from rolling outward and help increase the overall strength of the limb when they walk. Severe sprains may require walking boots or casts that completely immobilize the ankle during the healing process. Patients should talk to a doctor about which treatment option is right for them.

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