Safe and Effective Treatment for Sprains in Miami

A sprain is a tear in one or more of your ligaments, for instance, when you pull or twist your ankle. This can happen when you over-exert yourself, such as tripping and falling, or when you do something that puts a lot of stress on your ligaments, such as landing awkwardly from a jump.

The good news is that ligaments can heal relatively quickly once the initial acute phase of the injury has passed. However, the bigger the sprain, the longer it will take to heal.

Sprains are graded on a scale from one to three, with one being the mildest and three being the most severe. Grade one sprains are easier to treat and heal from, while grade three sprains will require a longer recovery time and may even result in long-term consequences. Follow the instructions below to ensure your injury heals properly and painlessly.

Treatment for Sprains in Miami

Make Sure To Get Medical Attention after a Sprain

Although sprains don’t typically require surgery, you should always visit your doctor if you don’t notice any improvement with your injury. Your doctor can examine the extent of the injury and advise you on the best course of treatment for sprains.

The doctor will order imaging tests such as X-rays to check the extent of damage and refer you to a therapist if necessary.

Ice for 20 Minutes at a Time for the First 48 Hours

The first step toward healing a sprain is to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the injured area. Use a cold pack or ice by applying it directly to the injured area for 20 minutes, then take it off and replace it with another one. You can use this process several times a day for the first 48 hours.

Maintain Minimal Weight-Bearing and Rest the Injury

A sprain is classified as a partial tear if you can bear weight on your ankle without too much pain. In this case, you should avoid placing any weight on your ankle and rest it as much as possible. You should also keep the injured foot elevated while resting to prevent further swelling.

Avoid putting weight on your ankle and take frequent breaks while you walk. Don’t put your injured foot on furniture and avoid vigorous physical activity.

Don’t Take Your Sprain Too Seriously

A sprain isn’t a severe injury, and it isn’t something to be frightened of. If you have a sprain, it doesn’t imply you’ve broken your ankle or that you’ll be bedridden for weeks. Most people can resume normal activities without using crutches to walk.

Strengthen Your Muscles Around the Sprained Area

The injured area will likely be fragile, so you should try to strengthen the muscles around it gently. This can be done by massaging the area or having your partner massage your muscles around the injured area. You can also use an ankle brace, which can be found at pharmacies and good sporting stores.

Protect Your Joints from Excessive Stress

Joints are designed to move to sustain damage when they’re under too much stress. To protect your joints, avoid jarring movements while your ankle is still swollen, and avoid putting your full weight on your ankle when you first get up.

Proven Methods to Treat Foot Sprain

Knee sprains don’t typically cause long-term damage, and most can be treated with a few weeks of rest and ice. However, a significant sprain involving multiple ligaments may take longer to heal and have long-term consequences. In any case, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention after a sprain to ensure the best possible care.

If you’re wondering how to get started with your sprained ankle recovery in Miami, our Silverman Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center™ experts can help.

Call 305-676-8525 to schedule a initial consultation or you may contact us online.  Get started with your strain or sprain treatment therapy today! We’ll be happy to assist you safely and effectively manage your injury.