One wrong step, and suddenly you’re dealing with a sprained ankle. A surprisingly common daily injury. Isn't it? It can happen to anyone, anywhere, while walking on uneven roads, missing a step on the staircase, playing cricket with friends, or even while running to catch a bus. Most of us run to Dadi Maa’s nuskhe before the doctor, right? That’s why natural tricks for sprains are so handy.
In this blog, we’ll peek into what a sprained ankle is, its little signals (symptoms), how long it takes to get back on your feet, and some super-easy ghar ke nuskhe, which are remedies for quick comfort.
What is a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle occurs when the supporting ligaments of the ankle joint are overstretched or torn due to an unexpected twist, turn, or roll of the foot while performing daily life activities. Ligaments are like strong bands that connect your bones and keep the ankle stable. When too much pressure is exerted on it, they get injured, that leads to pain and swelling.
Sprained Ankle Symptoms
You can usually recognize a sprained ankle by these common symptoms:
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Pain when you put weight on your foot
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Swelling around the ankle joint
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Bruising or skin turning bluish or red
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Stiffness and difficulty moving the foot
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Tenderness when you touch the ankle
If your ankle feels all wobbly and you are not able to keep it stable, it might be a severe sprain; it's better to go see the doctor. But if it’s only a small sprain, some home care remedies will help you recover fast without any worry.
Sprained Ankle Recovery Time
Your recovery time depends on how severe the sprain is. The duration is as follows:
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Mild sprain: 1–2 weeks
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Moderate sprain: 3–4 weeks
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Severe sprain: 6 weeks or more
On average, most sprains heal within 2 to 6 weeks if proper care and ankle support for sprains are used. Remember, rushing back to activities too soon can make the injury worse.
You must have questioned yourself many times, “Can I treat my sprained ankle at home?” Yes, you can treat most mild sprains at home with rest, care, and natural remedies. Many people first try simple home remedies before going for medical treatment. Unless there is severe swelling, unbearable pain, or the inability to walk even after a few days, home remedies work very well.
Best Home Remedies for Sprained Ankle
Rest and Avoid Pressure
The first and most important step is rest. Do not walk or run on the injured foot. Give your ankle time to heal. Using an ankle brace or ankle support for a sprain, like Leeford Ortho, can help reduce movement and provide stability.
Ice Therapy
Applying ice is the best remedy for a sprained ankle in the first 24–48 hours if you want temporary relief. Wrap ice cubes in a cloth and then place them on the swollen area for 15–20 minutes, make sure to do it 3–4 times a day. This reduces swelling and pain naturally.
Compression
Wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage or crepe bandage provides compression and controls swelling. But the question is: should you wrap a sprained ankle overnight? The answer is definitely yes, but keep it slightly loose. Do not wrap too tightly, as it may block blood circulation. Remove the bandage before sleeping if you feel numbness.
Elevation
Keep your ankle raised on a pillow while lying down. This allows excess fluid to drain and reduces swelling faster. Try to elevate your ankle whenever you are resting.
Warm Compress After 48 Hours
After two days, when swelling reduces, switch to a warm compress. A warm cloth or a warm water bag improves blood circulation and helps in faster healing.
Haldi (Turmeric) Paste
Turmeric is widely recognized for its healing properties. Also, it is effective for several common issues. Make a turmeric paste with water and apply it to the swollen ankle. It has anti-inflammatory properties that ease pain and swelling.
Garlic Oil Massage
A warm garlic oil massage can really help you relieve pain as it's an age-old remedy for sprains. Garlic reduces inflammation and improves blood flow. Massage gently around the ankle for relief.
Epsom Salt Soak
Soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salt can really help you relax your muscles, reduce swelling, and give you the ultimate comfort that you need. Do this once daily for 15–20 minutes.
Proper Ankle Support
Using a sprained ankle brace or ankle support like Leeford Ortho ensures stability and also helps prevent further twisting. If you don’t have a brace, a simple crepe bandage also works.
Gentle Exercises After Healing Starts
When the pain reduces, it's better to do gentle movements that include ankle rotations and light stretches. This helps enhance your flexibility and strengthens your body efficiently. But make sure you never rush; all you need to do is just listen to your body.
How to Cure a Sprained Ankle Fast
Everyone wants a quick recovery, especially when work or daily chores can’t wait. To heal faster:
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Start treatment immediately after injury.
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Use the R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
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Apply natural remedies like turmeric or garlic oil.
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To keep your ankle safe and secure, it's better to wear proper support. You can also consider wearing Leeford Ortho ankle supports. So that you can avoid further injuries.
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Eat healthy foods rich in calcium and protein for stronger bones and ligaments.
Should You Wrap a Sprained Ankle Overnight?
Like we said earlier, wrapping your ankle does help, but be gentle. Make sure it’s not too tight; it can also block blood flow and make the pain worse. It’s safe to wrap your sprained ankle overnight if the ankle binder is comfortable and not too tight. Otherwise, you can also remove it before sleeping for comfort.
Best Ankle Support for Sprain
In the market, many types of supports are available, like ankle binders, elastic supports, and braces. The best ankle support for sprains is one that gives a firm hold, is skin-friendly, and allows you to move without strain.
You can easily find a sprained ankle brace in medical shops or online stores. Leeford Ortho ankle support is a small investment that you can make to protect your ankle and speed up healing with ease.
Things to Avoid During Sprained Ankle Recovery
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Do not walk or run on the injured foot too soon.
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Avoid wearing heels or tight shoes.
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Make sure not to massage very harshly in the first two days.
- Don’t ignore severe symptoms like extreme swelling or inability to walk; make sure to consult a doctor.
How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal Effectively?
As we discussed, the healing time depends on the severity of the injury that you have. But with the best home remedies for a sprained ankle, most people recover in 2–6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
A sprained ankle may slow you down, but it won’t stop you from performing your routine activities. Make sure to give it rest, try to do a few simple remedies at home, and you can also get Leeford Ortho ankle support to make healing easy and comfortable. Not all ankle sprains are the same, so your healing time may be shorter or longer, which totally depends on the severity of the symptoms. But you need to follow the right steps that your doctor suggests to ensure faster healing.
Strong steps start with prevention; thus, good shoes, careful walking, and avoiding uneven paths keep your ankles safe.
So next time, if you come up with any questions like, “Can I treat my sprained ankle at home?” Yes, of course you can! Just try these simple remedies (ghar ke nuskhe), rest a little, and you’ll be walking around comfortably again soon.
