As the weather keeps getting warmer, you and your family will likely spend more time outside. However, many outdoor activities, such as morning jogs and basketball games, carry the risk of an injury. As one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, a sprained ankle is characterized by the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the lower limbs. Although there’s no rapid cure for these soft tissue injuries, there are ways to facilitate the body’s natural healing process. 

3 Tips for Recovering From a Sprained Ankle 

1. Combat Swelling

When it comes to injured ligaments, the single most effective way to speed up the recovery process is by resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected area. Also known as RICE, this approach will take pressure off of the compromised ankle to prevent permanent damage while it’s healing. 

2. Stretch Daily 

After resting the sprained ankle for a few days, you should start moving it again to prevent scar tissue from accumulating. A doctor or physical therapist can teach you a few simple stretching exercises that, if performed each day, will effectively prevent stiffness and help restore the range of motion in the ankle. Examples include writing out the alphabet with your toes and pushing against a resistance band at various angles. 

3. Resume Your Routine 

As you feel the ankle’s strength and flexibility returning, you can start resuming your normal routine. To prevent further damage, though, you should resume any physically demanding activities gradually. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be necessary to wear a brace that will support the ankle until it’s fully healed. 

If you thought you had a sprained ankle but the symptoms are persisting or worsening, despite following the above tips, turn to St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samual T. Wood-DPM. Serving patients throughout Missouri, this practice is led by a seasoned podiatrist who has more than two decades of clinical experience. At their two convenient locations, they maintain state-of-the-art facilities, which allow them to offer a broad range of services. To explore the procedures they provide, visit their website, or call (636) 720-0190 in St. Peters or (314) 921-1020 in Florissant to schedule an appointment.