How to recover quickly from a sprained ankle

Feb 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chen Jian

Introduction

The speed of recovery from a sprained ankle may be influenced by factors such as improper exercise, uneven ground, ligament strain, fracture, and arthritis. Generally, treatment can include ice application, rest, compression bandaging, elevation of the affected limb, medication, and physical therapy. In daily life, one should pay attention to exercise safety, choose appropriate athletic shoes and surfaces, and avoid walking or running on uneven or slippery ground.

　　The speed of recovery from a sprained foot may be related to improper exercise, uneven ground, ligament strain, fracture, or arthritis. It is usually treatable by cold compress, rest, compression bandaging, elevating the affected limb, medication, and physical therapy. If pain persists or swelling worsens, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Improper exercise: Failure to warm up properly before exercising or incorrect posture during exercise may cause sudden excessive pressure on the foot muscles and ligaments, leading to a sprain. After a sprain, stop exercising immediately to avoid worsening the injury. Apply cold compresses to reduce local congestion and swelling, and use compression bandaging while elevating the affected limb to promote blood return.

　　2. Uneven ground: Walking or running on uneven surfaces may lead to uneven pressure on the feet, resulting in a sprain. In addition to the above emergency measures, walking should be minimized after a sprain to allow sufficient rest for the injured area and promote recovery.

　　3. Ligament strain: Ligaments are fibrous tissues connecting bones; sprains may cause excessive stretching or even tearing of the ligaments. Besides obvious pain and swelling, there may also be limited movement. Immediate cold compresses, rest, compression bandaging, and elevating the affected limb are recommended. If necessary, wear a brace or undergo physical therapy to promote ligament healing.

　　4. Fracture: Severe foot sprains may result in fractures, characterized by intense pain, swelling, deformity, and functional impairment. Immediate medical attention is required, including X-ray examination to confirm the type and location of the fracture. Treatment should follow medical advice for surgical fixation, plaster immobilization, or traction, combined with rehabilitation exercises to promote bone healing.

　　5. Arthritis: If a sprain is not treated promptly or correctly, it may lead to joint cartilage damage and subsequent arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and potentially progressive worsening. It is recommended to take medications such as ibuprofen tablets, diacerein capsules, or celecoxib capsules under a doctor's guidance.

　　In daily life, attention should be paid to exercise safety, choosing appropriate footwear and venues, and avoiding walking or running on uneven or slippery surfaces. Additionally, strengthening foot muscle and ligament exercises can improve coordination and balance, thereby reducing the risk of sprains.

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How to quickly reduce swelling and relieve pain from a sprained ankle

In general, there is no specific method considered to be the fastest for reducing swelling and relieving pain from a sprained foot. A sprained foot can be treated with measures such as immobilization and rest, alternating cold and hot compresses, compression bandaging, medication, and rehabilitation exercises to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If severe pain, inability to walk, deformity, or continuously worsening swelling occurs after the sprain, prompt medical attention is needed to rule out fractures or ligament tears and to avoid delayed treatment.

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Can I drink sweet rice wine if my foot is swollen from a sprain?

When a foot sprain is accompanied by obvious symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, and pain, this typically indicates an acute inflammatory response. In such cases, one should avoid consuming any substances that may promote blood circulation and exacerbate inflammation, including alcohol. Although rice wine contains a lower alcohol content, it still includes alcohol components that may aggravate local inflammation and delay the recovery process.