People with ankle sprain injuries often ask a lot of questions, especially about how long it takes to recover fully and how to speed up the healing process. No joint instability. the ligaments are healing. An X-ray shows bones and can show if the tendon has become calcified or hardened, and can show bone spurs. Moreover, try not to move the ankle unnecessarily to speed up the healing process. Accessed May 25, 2017. Seated shower is the best way to enjoy a comfortable shower with a sprained ankle. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. Also, be sure to keep it away from water to prevent it from rusting. Next, apply conditioner to soften your strands. Sprained ankle. approach for the first two or three days: Rest. Once youre back from the hospital with a mobility device, youll be able to get around your home and rest on your couch as you recover gradually from the ankle sprain. In: Baxter's The Foot and Ankle in Sport. Standing stretch. Some of the most frequently asked questions about ankle sprains include: How long it takes to heal from a sprained ankle will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of the injury, the treatment approach you take, how much rest you get, and your overall health. Hold for 15 seconds. A handheld showerhead can be helpful because it allows the person to control the water flow and direct it to specific areas, such as the lower body, while sitting on the shower stool or bench. Your showering habits will differ based on whether or not youre putting on a boot or a cast. 7 Sprained Ankle Treatments, Plus Symptoms and Risk Factors - Dr. Axe No difficulty bearing weight. Cold and compression therapy uses the RICE therapy concept but adds modern technology such as elevation extremity. All rights reserved. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/hot-showers-damage-skin, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sweating-and-body-odor/symptoms-causes/syc-20353895, epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-02/documents/ws-ourwater-shower-better-learning-resource_0.pdf. How To Remove Shower Plate Without Screws? RICE Therapy RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation: Rest: Rest is a significant key for recovery. other information we have about you. If you have pneumatic boots, you can inflate the air chambers about your ankle by rotating the knob clockwise until secure. If you use a heating pad . How to use shower after foot or ankle surgery - YouTube What is the best oil to remove rust from metal? Ultimately it is always recommended to rest without walking during the injury of a sprained ankle. Ice. Note:You dont want to forget a pair of scissors, which you will use in cutting off the plastic bag after taking a fantastic shower. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Be careful when walking, running or working on an uneven surface. When to use an ankle brace - Mayo Clinic Health System Stand one arm's length from the wall. Itching after you take a bath or shower is, Pyrrole disorder is a clinical condition that causes dramatic shifts in mood. Keeping the knee straight, slowly pull back on the band until you feel the upper calf stretch. 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). Depending on the severity of the sprain, your doctor may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape or an ankle support brace to stabilize the ankle. Repeat 15-20 times. If you sprained your ankle while exercising or participating in a sport, talk to your doctor about when you can resume your activity. To reduce swelling, compress the ankle with an elasticized wrap, such as an ACE bandage or elastic ankle sleeve. If the tissues at the injured zone become weak, the surrounding tissues will likely feel pain. 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. Toilet Losing Water in the Bowl? http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150. Answer: To increase the healing process of sprained ankles follow the rice strategy. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. After your sprained ankle is diagnosed, your doctor will determine the grade of your sprain to help develop a treatment plan. Tip #3: Don't Baby Your Injured Ankle. include protected health information. Taking an over-the-counter pain killer. So, it is better to avoid hot showers. ), I've become an expert on how to shower after foot or ankle surgery. Should You Wrap A Sprained Ankle Overnight? - ACE Brand Wear shoes that fit well and are made for your activity. A moderate sprain involves a complete tear of the ligament, and can cause significant swelling and instability. Sprained ankle - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic This content does not have an English version. When seated, elevate your ankle as high as you comfortably can to the height of your hip, if possible. How to Apply Ice or Heat to Injured Ankle - Vive Health Treating your sprained ankle properly may prevent chronic pain and looseness. Hold for 1 second, then lower yourself slowly to the starting position. Make sure to apply ice to keep swelling down. A test of your ankle's range of motion (ability to move as it should) Imaging tests, such as X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). How to heal a sprained ankle: Tips for a fast recovery - Medical News Today This will help minimize some of the swelling that makes the ankle feel stiff. X-rays aren't routinely used to evaluate ankle injuries. All you need to do is place a chair or stool in the center of shower. Allow your assistant to help you get into your bathtub and place your sprained ankle at the side of the bathtub. Here is some professional advice that will help you discover how to take a bath with an injured leg. Accessed May 25, 2017. To prevent future sprained ankles, pay attention to your body's warning signs to slow down when you feel pain or fatigue, and stay in shape with good muscle balance, flexibility, and strength. Compression can help control swelling as well as immobilize and support your injury. Is alcohol and weight loss surgery a risky combination? You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. After that, sit on the stool or chair. Depending on how many ligaments are injured, your sprain will be classified as Grade 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). Contrary to what many people believe, you dont actually have to shower every day. Enter Wear shoes that fit well and are made for your activity. Stand on one leg for 25 seconds to one minute to improve strength. Pull your toes and foot toward your body as far as possible. Some sources say it's OK to stay wrapped at night, but be sure that the bandage is very loose. Does less TV time lower your risk for dementia? How to Wrap a Sprained Ankle: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow Ice.Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Apply heat for up to 20 minutes three times a day. Sprained ankle - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Follow these tactics, as these tactics will help you to reduce swelling and inflammation in days. Use crutches or apply a splint or brace to limit use of your injured ankle. Accessed May 25, 2017. Run the water to an ideal temperature. Bathtubs are comfortable and you can easily take a shower while sitting in the bathtub. DOI: Save water and energy by showering better. Depending on symptoms and pain, a shower can be a tough job. Why do most students drop out of college? Once you get used to the steps above, you may notice that you can cut back on the time you spend in the shower. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additionally, tape the upper part of the plastic bag just above your boot or cast to make it waterproof avoid duct tape since its hard to get off. Compression. Rest. Before starting the shower, it is important to plan ahead and gather all the necessary items within reach. Every parent and athlete knows this age-old remedy for minor muscle sprains and strains, and doctors also recommend it because its effective. Then you should consider the possible options discussed in this article. pain in the . Stand with your toes and the ball of the affected foot on a book or the edge of a stair. Remember not to tighten too much because the knob can break if turned too hard. you with a short leg cast for 2-3 weeks or a walking boot. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Use a wall, chair, or rail for balance. He or she will examine the ankle and foot and may manipulate them in various ways to determine the type of sprain and the extent of injury. Flexes. Grade 1 Sprain (Mild) Slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers; Mild tenderness and swelling around the ankle As you become stronger, do this exercise keeping your weight on just the injured side as you lower yourself down. Seated on the floor, cross your legs with your injured foot underneath. Severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. If you need to keep your boot on while you shower, then you should take precautions to keep it dry, like wrapping it in plastic. For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. On rare occasions, surgery may be needed to repair the damage, especially in competitive athletes. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Waterproof Extra Wide Leg Cast Cover for Shower Adults, Extra XL-Extra wide at the best online prices at eBay! Some items that may be helpful to have on hand include a shower stool or bench, a handheld showerhead, and non-slip mats or strips. A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle's ligaments to stretch, partially tear or tear completely. Overall, your showering approach will differ depending on whether youre wearing a boot or a cast. Just ensure you stay off the affected foot and wear a supportive brace to help immobilize the ankle joint and allow the damaged tissues to heal. A doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle. tubepornclassic.com. A Grade 3 (severe) sprain puts you at risk for permanent ankle looseness (instability). Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. https://clinicalkey.com. Although minor ankle sprains may not require medical intervention, severe sprains that involve bone fractures will need medical treatment. How To Heal A Sprained Ankle Faster: Things To Do & Things To Avoid. Don't miss your FREE gift. So, here are some of the things you need to know, while having a shower with a sprained ankle. Considering collagen drinks and supplements? To conclude, it is crucial always to contact a doctor if your symptoms persist. 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. Additionally, keep the injured foot dry and elevated after showering. Do a quick clean of your tub. Answer: The sprained ankle is a very pain full injury that takes time to heal. Use a plastic stool/chair Another way for you to make your life simple is by using a plastic stool or chair. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 6 Shower Hacks for Spa-Worthy Skin, Hair, and Moods, Itching After a Shower: Why It Happens and How to Treat It. It may provide you with instant relief. Gillette is by far my favorite brand of handheld razors, sometimes referred to as razor handles. Many people try to tough out ankle injuries and don't seek medical attention. If youre not sure which sprained ankle remedy is right for you, be sure to consult with your physician. Rest. guidelines: Rest your ankle by not walking on it. However, when an ankle injury results in something beyond a minor swelling and pain, its critical to visit or contact your physician. Whenever possible, have someone around to help you move in and out of the shower to avoid falling. The boot should limit movement but not cut off your blood flow. Slowly lower the heel. Got gout or battling bursitis? About 40% of ankle sprain results in chronic diseases, so you should not take it lightly, and have a proper medical checkup to get rid of pain. A sprained ankle is the stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, which support the joint by connecting bones to each other. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Just ensure your assistant is comfortable with this assignment to make things smooth for both parties. If a hot shower is what your body craves in the morning, youre not alone. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with During that time, immerse your foot and ankle in cold water, or apply an ice pack (be sure to cover the ankle with a towel to protect the skin) for 1520 minutes three times a day, or until the swelling starts to subside. Its best to wash your skin at the beginning of the bath since your skin will get softer as you soak and may be more prone to overexfoliation. Your pantry contains a variety of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. Accessed May 25, 2017. Long and full shower will be complicated for you with a sprained ankle, so it is best to consider time while taking shower. Release. Let your assistant stay near to help you get out once you are done. Hot shower will increase swelling. Hold for 1520 seconds. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. Ankle inversion. He or she will examine it and may want an X-ray to make sure no bones are broken. Make sure the bleach solution does not exceed the 1:10 mark (one part of bleach mixed with ten parts of clean water). Most ankle sprains do not require surgery, and minor sprains are best treated with a rehabilitation program PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. link to 3 Blade Razors Versus 5 Blade Razors. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! My name is Chele Brandon. Compression. Overall, Epsom salt helps soothe sore connective tissues and muscles, which helps with joint stiffness. What works for you? Unable to bear weight or walk. See additional information. Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe down the inside of the tub, removing any soap residue or stray hairs that may have gathered. The content is not intended to substitute Also, try to cover your sprained ankle by wearing a boot or a cast. http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/how-to/foot-injury/Pages/How to Care for a Sprained Ankle.aspx?PF=1. Scalding-hot water will burn your skin, and water thats even a bit too hot will dry out your skin. Place the end of a piece of tape on one side of the anchor. If you find the pain and discomfort too much to endure, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce the pain and swelling. But for everyone else, showering or bathing twice a day probably isnt necessary. In general, healing times may be as follows: In severe cases, an ankle sprain may require physical therapy or surgery to fully support recovery. But, if you can take a shower without hurting your sprained ankle, then its fine. A sprain results from a tear or stretch of ligaments in your ankle. On the other hand, a minor injury of a sprained ankle can easily be healed in two weeks. Try adding Epsom salt to a warm bath 1-2 times each day as the healing progresses. As it is better to choose a way depending on your ankle situation. And I will share some easy ways to shower. 5. Pain with weight bearing and walking. Repeat 2030 times. But there's a fine line between a well-taped. Warm up before you exercise or play sports. Compression: If there is a lot of swelling, use a compression sock or ace bandage to provide compression. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Having someone around you who can help you move in and out of the shower is good to avoid any risk of falling. If you do get your walking boot wet by accident, you should take it off and rest your foot until the boot is . Start with a dollop in your palm, and work it through your hair, spreading evenly over each strand and paying special attention to the ends of your hair. guidelines and allow more time for healing. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Tie one end of the band to a table or chair leg (B). Ankle sprain or sprained heels can happen to anyone while walking, exercising, running and doing household work. Ankle sprains are among the most widespread musculoskeletal injuries that affect persons of different ages, including slackers and athletes. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Ankle tape can provide stability, support, and compressionfor the ankle joint. RICEis an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation: The RICE therapy is highly preferable by many physicians since it effectively speeds up healing. Surgery may be performed to: There is a problem with Sprained Ankle. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. Then point them away from the body as far as possible. Ice: Press cold ice to the sprained ankle multiple times a day to reduce pain and swelling. It will keep you away from any sort of pain and difficulty while showering. Accessed May 27, 2017. Randle was . It is important to keep the cast and dressing dry. A sprained ankle may sometimes be extremely painful. How to care for a sprained ankle. Every ligament injury needs rehabilitation. Repeat as often as possible in the first week. 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. However, you need to consult your doctor and always adhere to the dosage instructions to ensure safe use. Ankle braces serve as the external supports to limit certain motions, such as plantar flexion/inversion (movement at the ankle joint that points the foot downward away from the leg and turns the foot inward), and provide awareness of where your ankle joint is in space. The quickest tip to heal the injury of sprained ankle is resting. Its often a nuisance wrapping up your cast or boot in a plastic bag whenever you take a shower. Have a family member go out and buy a plastic stool that you can sit on (many people suggest lawn chairs, but unless you have a massive shower, that isn't always going to work). Limit weight bearing and use crutches if necessary. A sprained ankle is an injury or tear of one or more ligaments on the outer side of your ankle. So consult your physician for better recovery. Compression. Besides this, in some cases sprained ankles take a longer time to heal properly, in that case it is inappropriate to skip shower. Self-care For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. Ice Therapy Machine. Now, use a clean towel to gently scrub the cast/boot down to dry it out. Practice stability training, including balance exercises. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with In fact, dermatologists recommend showering in water thats lukewarm or slightly warm. So, that wraps it on how to shower with a sprained ankle and some helpful tips to help you speed up the recovery time. If signs and symptoms are severe, you may have significant damage to a ligament or a broken bone in your ankle or lower leg. To prevent the overall annoyance of tying your cast or boot in a plastic bag, you might want to change yourshowering habitsto daily bathing instead. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help initially control pain and swelling. Wear a sock over those bandages to help them stay in place. The injury occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. You dont have to wash your hair every time you take a bath. This exercise can place a lot of stress on the ankle, so get your clinician's go-ahead before trying it. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Ice Massage.