Don't Let a Sprained Ankle Get the Best of You - Tips on Caring For a Sprained Ankle

More often than not, no matter how careful you are- Twisting a knee with the foot firmly on the ground
not to injure yourself during an intense workout,Strains, on the other hand, occur on a muscle or
taking a sudden step or suffering from a fall will leadtendon.
to a sprained ankle. Professional athletes and thoseTips on Caring for an Sprained Joint
who exercise regularly are often the victims of thisIn caring for an injury, here are a few tips that you
type of injury, which is why it pays to know theneed to keep in mind:
firsthand tips on caring for your lower body joints.
The Difference between a Sprain and a Strain1. Rest the injured area -- if it hurts when you move,
The key to knowing the first aid treatment on caringuse crutches.
for an injured joint is to first know the difference2. The first aid treatment is to place ice on the
between a strain and a sprain.injured area as soon as possible.
Sprains refer to a tearing of the ligaments which join3. Finally, compress the joint area using a bandage
together the ends of bones. This type of injuryand elevate the foot to reduce the amount of
occurs on the ankles, knees and wrists -- and isswelling.
usually a result of any of the following:Naturally, you need to seek the help of a physician
- Fallingthe earliest time possible to determine if an X-ray or
- A blow to the body which causes a joint to go outadditional treatments are needed to heal the sprained
of its normal positionankle.