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What are the Different Types of Ankle Therapy?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

An ankle injury is a common ailment that occurs with many athletes. Today there are many treatments that can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with a sore ankle. These include ankle therapy, wraps, ice treatment, anti-inflammatory medicine, and Epsom salt treatments. The treatments for an ankle injury are designed to reduce both swelling and pain.

The primary method of healing an ankle is elevated rest. Most doctors recommend elevating the ankle into a position over the head for a few hours per day. This ankle therapy can be performed in a lying position with pillows placed under the legs. Elevation reduces swelling by forcing the reduction of blood from the ankle area.

A man with a sprained ankle.
A man with a sprained ankle.

The ankle is one of the most active joints in the human body. It is used in daily activities that require an individual to stand upright. When an individual injuries his ankle, he should immediately begin an ice ankle therapy treatment. This helps reduce the onset of swelling that will occur after an injury.

Ice treatment is a well known home remedy that reduces swelling and discomfort. It is typically used by professional athletes and sports organizations throughout the world. This swelling is reduced by controlling the internal bleeding that is associated with muscle sprains and strains. A typical ice treatment regiment will last for seven days. During this ankle therapy treatment, ice packs should be used three times per day at 20-minute intervals.

Epsom salts have long been used to treat muscle aches.
Epsom salts have long been used to treat muscle aches.

Epsom salt is made from mineral magnesium sulfate and is often used for soaking purposes. This product is well known for reducing swelling, which helps with pain management for ankle injuries. Epsom salt treatments have been used for centuries to assist with muscle aches and general soreness.

An ankle wrap is a special medical device that is used for wrapping the ankle in an elastic bandage. This ankle therapy technique helps provide support for the tendons in the ankle area, which reduces pain. There are many forms of ankle wraps available today. These wraps enable the athlete mobility after an ankle injury.

The primary method of healing an ankle is elevated rest.
The primary method of healing an ankle is elevated rest.

Physical therapy is a formal medical treatment for an ankle injury. This is typically performed by certified therapist. The ankle therapy treatment includes exercises that are designed to stimulate and stretch the muscles of the ankle. This may be painful at first but provides the benefit of flexing the muscles that typically become tight after an injury.

One of the best medicines for an ankle injury is anti-inflammatory drugs. This helps the body manage pain and reduce swelling. These drugs are typically hard on the stomach, kidneys, and liver and should be used sparingly.

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    • A man with a sprained ankle.
      By: Luis Santos
      A man with a sprained ankle.
    • Epsom salts have long been used to treat muscle aches.
      By: Brooke Becker
      Epsom salts have long been used to treat muscle aches.
    • The primary method of healing an ankle is elevated rest.
      By: lightwavemedia
      The primary method of healing an ankle is elevated rest.