The sprain is a short way of saying that you have torn or overstretched a muscle. Sprains happen when a joint gets twisted and it is injuring the ligaments which connect the bones in the joints. Ankle sprains are caused by running or walking on an uneven ground, lifting heavy weights, as a result of accident and wearing high – heel shoes. The most common symptoms of sprains include restricted range of motion, bruising, swelling and pain. The sprain can range from mild to severe.
It is known that severe sprain needs medical care. It is known that you can treat a mild ankle sprain easily at home with some simple home remedies. There are some studies in which are estimated that some 25,000 people sprain their ankle every single day [1]. It is known that sprains can happen at any age. The sprain is usually a sign that certain parts of the body are overused and stressed. There are some cases when leg discrepancy (this means legs that have different legs) due to genetics cause instability and this can lead to sprains. If you have sprains, then you need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies so in this way you will avoid side effects.
Home remedies for sprains
Contents
Olive oil for sprains
Olive oil has a compound called phenolic compound which can help to alleviate the inflammation from a sprained ankle. Also, it has healing properties which can help to speed the recovery process. You should heat olive oil and then allow it to cool for some time. You should apply the warm olive oil on the affected area and you should gently massage for a few minutes. This can help to relax your muscles and give you a relief from the pain. You should do this natural treatment 3 or 4 times a day in a period of few days. Also, you can add one tablespoon of olive oil to one egg yolk and you should mix it well. You should apply this natural cure on the affected area and you should cover it with a cotton pad. You should keep it bandaged in a period of two days. You should do this type of natural treatment in a period of few days. [2]
Cabbage for sprain
It is known that this natural cure has anti – inflammatory properties which are making it a good topical treatment for simple sprains. Often, cabbage compresses are used to reduce the swelling in the sprains and in broken bones. Also, it is rich in vitamins and phytonutrients which can help to speed the healing process of the sprained ankles. You should remove the outer leaves from a head of cabbage. You should use a rolling pin to gently bruise the leaves so the juices can be released. You should wrap the cabbage leaves in foil and then warm them in the oven. The cabbage leaves should be warm but not hot. You should put the warm cabbage leaves over the painful area. You should secure them with a gauze bandage. You should cover the entire area with plastic wrap to retain its warmth. You should leave it for half an hour. You should follow this natural treatment two times per day in a period of two days. [3]
Onion for sprain
This natural cure has anti – inflammatory properties which are a reason why it is commonly used as a home remedy for rheumatism, arthritis, jammed fingers and sprained ankles. It can help to reduce the inflammation, swelling and pain. You should chop one large onion into small pieces. You should put these pieces in a muslin cloth and then you should tie it with a rubber band. You should put the muslin cloth on the sprained area for at least two hours. If you need, you can secure the cloth with tape. You should repeat as much as needed to reduce the symptoms. Also, you can chill an onion in the refrigerator for 2 hours. You should cut the onion into small pieces and then you should mix them with a good amount of salt. You should apply this home remedy to the swollen ankle and you should wrap it with an elastic bandage. You should replace the compress with a new one every 7 – 8 hours. You should do this natural treatment for one to two days and this depends on the recovery rate.
Castor oil for sprains
This natural cure is used for alleviating the pain and inflammation of sprains. It is a triglyceride and it mainly consists of ricinoleic acid which also has anti – inflammatory properties [4]. You should fold a cotton cloth several times to make a pad and dip this pad in a container of castor oil. You should place the pad on the affected area and you should secure it with several layers of plastic wrap. You should place a hot water bottle over the castor oil pack for half an hour. You should keep the sprained ankle in elevated position for a few minutes. You should remove the pack and then massage the remaining oil into the skin. You should repeat this treatment 2 or 3 times per day in a period of two days.
Arnica for sprain
This is widely used home remedy for healing and strengthening muscles and joints. It is an anti – inflammatory agent who can help to reduce the inflammation, swelling and pain. Also, arnica can help to increase circulation and helps to prevent bruising in the injured area. You should apply an arnica essential oil in diluted form over the affected area and you should gently massage it. You should wrap a bandage over the area and let it stay there for at least five hours. You should remove the bandage and repeat this process again after a few hours. You should do this in a period of few days until your ankle is completely healed. You can apply arnica balm or ointment as cream or a compress and do this 2 or 3 time per day. It is noticed that some people are sensitive to arnica so they should make a patch test before they use it on the affected area. If your skin has open cuts, then you should not apply arnica. [5]
Epsom salt for sprain
This is a very popular home remedy for treating sprains. It has crystals of magnesium sulfate which are highly effective for soothing sore muscles and calming the nearby nerves. You can buy Epsom salt at the discount stores or drugstores in your area. You should pour one cup of Epsom salt into warm bath water. You should stir it with your hand to help the salt dissolve in the water. You should soak the sprained ankle in the water for at least thirty minutes. You should do this natural treatment two times per day in a period of 3 – 4 days. [6]
Garlic for sprain
You can use this natural cure because it can help to give you a quick relief from the symptoms of the sprains. It has anti – inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the pain, as well as inflammation. Also, it has healing properties which can help to increase the body’s strength and energy which will speed up the healing process. You should mix one tablespoon of garlic juice and two tablespoons of warm coconut oil. You should gently rub this home remedy on the affected area. You should let it stay there for half an hour and then wash the area with lukewarm water. You should use this home remedy for 3 or 4 times per day in a period of several days until you have noticed that your ankles have healed completely. Also, you can mix one teaspoon of garlic oil and one teaspoon of almond oil. You should massage the affected area with this home remedy for 2 or 3 times a day. You should repeat this natural treatment until you recover fully. Also, you can use this home remedy for your treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. [7]
Turmeric for sprain
This is a common spice which is acting as an excellent pain reliever due to its anti – inflammatory properties. Also, it has anti – spasmodic properties which can help to relax the joints, tissues, muscles and it can help to reduce the pain and swelling. You should mix two tablespoons of turmeric powder, one tablespoon of lime juice and add a little bit of warm water to make a thick paste. You should apply this paste to the sprained ankle and then wrap it using a bandage. You should let it stay there for ten hours. You should repeat it again for every ten hours and then continue doing this treatment for a week. Also, there is another option and that is to mix equal amounts of turmeric powder and limestone powder and add water to make a thick paste. It will give you a quick relief from the pain. You should heat this paste and then apply it on the affected area before you go to bed. You should wrap it with bandage. You should let it stay there through the night. In the morning, you should remove the bandage and do this natural treatment for two or three days. Always talk with your doctor before you use some of mentioned home remedies for your treatment of sprains. [8]
References:
[1] Web MD. Ankle injuries: Causes and treatments. Retrieved from www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/ankle-injuries-causes-and-treatments#1
[2] Nomikos NN, Nomikos GN, Kores DS. The use of deep friction massage with olive oil as a means of prevention and treatment of sports injuries in ancient times. Archives of Medical Science. 2010;6(5):642–5.
[3] Lee Y, Kim S, Yang B, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of Brassica oleracea Var. capitata L. (Cabbage) methanol extract in mice with contact dermatitis. Pharmacognosy Magazine. 2018;14(54):174–9.
[4] Carson SN, Wiggins C, Overall K, Hebert J. Using a castor oil-balsam of Peru-trypsin ointment to assist in healing skin graft donor sites. Wound Management & Prevention. 2003;49(6):60-4.
[5] Stevinson C, Devaraj VS, Fountain-Barber A, et al. Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2003;96(2):60–5.
[6] Davis J. Are epsom salt baths an effective treatment for running injuries? Retrieved from runnersconnect.net/epsom-salt-treatment-running-injuries/
[7] Badr GM, Al-Mulhim JA. The protective effect of aged garlic extract on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric inflammations in male albino rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:759642.
[8] Kashmiri AA, Al Mutani M, Al Zadjali A. Complications of hot turmeric use in acute trauma. Oman Medical Journal. 2010;25(3):e001.
