How to Soothe a Sore Ankle

If your ankle is sore, you probably twisted or pulled it sometime during the day. Most sore ankles are either strains or sprains. If the pain continues for more than a couple of days, be sure to see a doctor. Whenever you are dealing with a sore ankle, it is recommended you follow the R.I.C.E. Principles as soon as possible after injury. These are rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Rest your ankle--do not walk on it for the first 48 hours. Use crutches to support your weight or have someone help you when you need to walk.
2. Ice your sore ankle to reduce swelling. Apply an icepack to your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes at a time several times a day.
3. Wrap your sore ankle in compressive bandages. This immobilizes and supports the injured ankle while it heals.
4. Elevate your sore ankle above your heart for as much time as possible during the first 48 hours. The easiest way to do this is lay on your back in bed and prop your ankle up on several pillows.

Tips & Warnings

• Take an over the counter pain killer such as ibuprofen to ease the pain and help with swelling.
• If you have a frequent problem with sore ankles, talk to your doctor. He might recommend ankle strapping or braces or suggest you do ankle strengthening exercises.
• If your sore ankle is causing loss of motion and function of ankle joint, or if your sore ankle started with severe pain and is now causing no pain, you might have a third degree ankle sprain. See a doctor immediately.