How to Wrap a Sprained Ankle

Suffering from a sprained ankle is not only painful, but can also be quite discomforting, as it restricts the movement of the individual affected by it. Sprained ankle is normally considered a sports injury, but one can sprain a foot even while walking.

A wrong position of the foot, while walking, jogging or exercise can strain the muscles and the person may end up having a twisted ankle. The muscles, ligaments and tendons in the foot may get stretched beyond limit, and in some instances it may also suffer a tear, triggering unbearable pain.

It is essential to necessitate a cure for the sprained ankle, immediately after an injury so that it heals without any further issues.

You need to take proper care while wrapping a sprained ankle, so as not to cause any further discomfort to the affected part. While wrapping, you must ensure that you are maintaining the same pressure while wrapping and also take proper care of the sprained ankle, post bandaging. Listed below are some guidelines for wrapping a sprained ankle, with pictorial instructions.

You need a clean ankle wrap or a gauze bandage, with which you intend to wrap the affected ankle. This is available in every first aid kit, or can be purchased from pharmacies or retail stores. Elastic bandages are also a good option for wrapping the sprained ankle. The recommended width of the bandage should be approximately 3.5 to 4 inches, such that it covers the entire area.

Wrap one end of the bandage, applying pressure, around the affected foot twice. There should be even tension while wrapping it around the ankle. However, make sure that the bandage is not wrapped too tight, lest it hampers blood circulation.

Place a pad of cotton wool on the ankle for extra protection and warmth. With the free end of the bandage held up vertically, begin by wrapping the other end in a crisscross manner till the ankle. Repeat the process till you have completely wrapped the ankle.

The ankle should be compressed to facilitate quick healing. So it is essential to give the injured foot proper support and bandage it completely. Once you have covered the foot, secure the end of the tape to the bandage with a fastener or a medical tape, so that it does not unwind itself or become loose. In this way, the wrapping is complete and the foot can be rested till it recovers fully, after which you can resume your daily routine.

Twisted ankle treatment may include proper rest, medication, exercise and rehabilitation of the affected foot. The treatment administered depends mainly, on the severity of the injury caused to the foot. If the sprain is not too much, then it can be treated easily at home.

If there is a ligament tear in the foot, then medical intervention may be required to treat the condition promptly. At home the individual can practice the RICE method, where the individual may have to Rest the affected foot. Ice packs can be applied to the area, for not more than 15 minutes, to minimize the pain and swelling.

For Compression, you can wrap an ankle bandage and finally with the help of a few pillows Elevate the foot to keep it in a comfortable position to reduce the swelling. It is also essential to restrict movement or immobilize the affected foot till recovery.

The doctor may recommend physical therapy to speed up the recovery process and also bring back the foot to normal. With the help of exercises, supervised by a physical therapist, the balance, flexibility, motion and strength of the ankle can be restored.

The physician may also advice the use of an ankle brace, till the recovery is complete, and also protect the ankle from getting injured again. In some instances the ligaments may get stretched so much that they get torn and the only option to treat them is with the help of surgery.

The individual may have to undergo surgery to repair the damage, after which his foot may be kept in a cast to immobilize the joint till the healing.

Before you go to bed, loosen the bandage a bit to facilitate blood circulation. Remember that this is just the basic first aid that is administered at home or at the clinic. In case of severe pain or any other complications, visiting a medical practitioner is always advisable. Take care!