Here's how it works: Rest the ankle (use crutches if needed) Ice the ankle for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for the first 2 days. The nurse or physiotherapist can give you information about a product that will keep your leg dry while you shower. Rest your ankle by not walking on it. For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. If you feel pain putting weight on the ankle, avoid walking on it. Practice stability training, including balance exercises. Depending on how many ligaments are injured, your sprain will be classified as Grade 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). If the sprained ankle is severe or if there is significant pain or swelling, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Rise up on your toes. The strategy is Rest, Ice, Compression, and elevation. This will show you how to achieve th. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with include protected health information. Is My Ankle Sprained or Broken? How to Tell The Difference - WebMD However, it may take 1-2, 4-6, and 8-12 weeks for mild, moderate, ad severe ankle injuries to heal, respectively. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Considering collagen drinks and supplements? Repeat 20-30 times. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Limit physical activities that may cause stress to the sprain (no running, jumping, exercising). However, taking a shower remains a big issue for many people with sprained ankles. If you are unable to put weight on your foot after this type of injury, or if there is significant swelling, bruising, or deformity, you should seek medical treatment from a doctor (MD or DO). Release. All it takes is a simple misstep, and suddenly you have a sprained ankle. Click here for an email preview. For severe injuries, you may be referred to a specialist in musculoskeletal injuries, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He or she will examine it and may want an X-ray to make sure no bones are broken. But showering or bathing efficiently can save gallons of water, lower your energy costs, and restore precious time you might have been wasting. After that, sit on the stool or chair. Rises. For maximum effectiveness, ankle braces should fit comfortably in the shoes . Apply heat for up to 20 minutes three times a day. Ice. Porter DA, et al. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Just use a simple mixture of water and household bleach to make a mild cleaning solution that kills any nasty germs that may linger on your cast or boot. If you dont have chronic pain or severe swelling, then you can take a shower. Randle was . Hold the position for 1 second. Youll want to use moisturizing cream right out of the shower for best results because it seals hydration into your skin. If you sprained your ankle while exercising or participating in a sport, talk to your doctor about when you can resume your activity. Your bleach mixture, however, should not exceed the 1:10 mark. If the. Compress (wrap) the ankle lightly -- not tightly -- with . Keep the ice on your ankle for 10-15 minutes at a time 2-3 times per day to help alleviate some of the pain. Doctors weigh in on with how much is too short, too long, and what's just right. Fill your tub with lukewarm or slightly warm water. Ankle sprains are among the most widespread musculoskeletal injuries that affect persons of different ages, including slackers and athletes. Then you should consider the possible options discussed in this article. Most ankle sprains do not require surgery, and minor sprains are best treated with a rehabilitation program Hot Showers: Which One Is Better? Also, we discuss how to fasten up your recovery. Switch the water tap on for the shower to open the water flow and enjoy your shower. Twisted or Rolled Ankle Sprain Treatment: FASTER Home - YouTube No matter which of these camps you fall into, its important to make sure you clean your entire body in the shower. Compression. If it's too much trouble to bathe, turn your shower into a broken ankle-friendly oasis. Using heat and cold for pain | Mayo Clinic Connect Answer: The sprained ankle is a very pain full injury that takes time to heal. People who sprain their ankle repeatedly may also need surgical repair to tighten their ligaments. So, here are some of the things you need to know, while having a shower with a sprained ankle. Additionally, avoid running and jumping on the injured foot as this may increase the risk of further injury. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of However, when an ankle injury results in something beyond a minor swelling and pain, its critical to visit or contact your physician. So, it is best to consider the easy and comfortable way to shower with a sprained ankle, such as a seated shower, avoiding hot showers and others which I shared. The doctors do not recommend walking on the sprained ankle. The reason is walking usually delays the healing process of a sprained ankle. With the heel on the floor, write all the capital letters of the alphabet with your big toe, making the letters as large as you can. Five minutes in the shower is enough to turn your day around. Interactive Quiz: Whats Your Self-Care Style? Stand with your toes and the ball of the affected foot on a book or the edge of a stair. Depending on symptoms and pain, a shower can be a tough job. On rare occasions, surgery may be needed to repair the damage, especially in competitive athletes. Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap. you with a short leg cast for 2-3 weeks or a walking boot. It is also important to avoid reaching for items that are out of reach, as this can increase the risk of falling. All rights reserved. To reduce swelling, compress the ankle with an elasticized wrap, such as an ACE bandage or elastic ankle sleeve. Alternatively you can bathe/shower by sitting on a bath board.