Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Repeat 1520 times. But it is important to consider some precautions to shower, so if you dont want to hurt your sprained ankle, then it is must to follow the ways I will share in this article. Therefore, we tried to help ourselves through diet, sport, natural remedies and little gestures made out of love.More . Sign up to receive weekly email updates about what's new on The Healthy Journal! This doesnt mean that your shower needs to be steaming hot. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). After showering, it is important to keep the sprained ankle elevated and dry. This can be achieved by using a shower stool or bench to sit on, and by using non-slip mats or strips on the floor and inside the tub or shower. 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. Repeat 35 times. Use an ankle support brace or tape on a weak or previously injured ankle. Disclaimer: We have zero tolerance policy against any illegal pornography. Sprains are graded based on how much damage has occurred to the ligaments. Contributors/Reviewers: David Porter, MD, PhD; Glenn Shi, MD. They may include: Call your doctor if you have pain and swelling in your ankle and you suspect a sprain. Fill your tub with lukewarm or slightly warm water. Rise up on your toes. You will go through three phases of healing as you recover from a sprained ankle: First: Resting and protecting the ankle while reducing swelling using the RICE protocol for one week. Should I keep walking with a herniated disc? To recover from an ankle sprain fully, you'll need to restore the normal range of motion to your ankle joint and strengthen its ligaments and supporting muscles. 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). Try using a handheld showerhead when showering as this will allow you to control the water flow and direct it to specific areas, such as the lower body, while sitting on the shower stool or bench. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. But there's a fine line between a well-taped. Depending on symptoms and pain, a shower can be a tough job. If the. As the healing progresses, use an ankle boot or brace to provide support. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that stabilize joints and help prevent excessive movement. Lisfranc sprain; Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons; Shin fractures; Foot and ankle surgery; . Use compression dressings, bandages or ace-wraps to keep your ankle still. Phase 2 includes restoring your ankle's flexibility, range of motion, and strength. Keeping the knee straight, slowly pull back on the band until you feel the upper calf stretch. If your sprain is severe, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. A severe sprain involves a complete tear of the ligament and damage to the surrounding tissues, and can cause severe pain and difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot. This will help minimize some of the swelling that makes the ankle feel stiff. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. https://clinicalkey.com. Principles of rehabilitation for the foot and ankle. Porter DA, et al. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Afterward, you can use a rigid boot brace whenever youre walking around. Having someone around you who can help you move in and out of the shower is good to avoid any risk of falling. For maximum effectiveness, ankle braces should fit comfortably in the shoes . Studies have shown that people return to their normal activities sooner when their treatment emphasizes restoring ankle function often with the aid of splints, braces, taping, or elastic bandages rather than immobilization (such as use of a plaster cast). Once youre done, you can call your assistant to help you out of the tub. Moderate pain, swelling, and tenderness. After 14 foot surgeries (!! Ice: Press cold ice to the sprained ankle multiple times a day to reduce pain and swelling. So the healing time of every injury is different. Rise up on your toes. How To Remove Shower Plate Without Screws? Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. 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. How to use shower after foot or ankle surgery. (n.d.). Does less TV time lower your risk for dementia? Use an ankle support brace or tape on a weak or previously injured ankle. Click here for an email preview. This can be achieved by using a shower stool or bench to sit on, and by using non-slip mats or strips on the floor and inside the tub or shower. It should be tight, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or is painful. Press down, pull back. An ankle sprain occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. Kyle Graham works as a writer and editor for Transformbathroom.com. However, its always a wise idea to consult your doctor since it might be difficult to evaluate the seriousness of the sprain on your own. So, it is better to avoid hot showers. When wrapping your ankle it's important to position it correctly, make sure it's not too tight and keep it on for long enough to help your ankle heal. Repeat as often as possible in the first week. We are a bunch of friends all over the world who, at a certain time of their lives, realised the doctors advice was not enough anymore. Showering doesnt have to be complicated. But did you know, It can be hard to know how often should you shower. You can take RICE therapy to the next level by renting a cold therapy system to use at home. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Showering between 5 to 10 minutes is a suitable amount of time to spend soaping up and rinsing off. This helps keep your injured foot out of the water, ensuring that your cast or boot is always nice and dry. Kaminski TW, et al. Play catch while balancing on one leg, then the other. More importantly, seek medical attention if youre unable to move about for more than a few days. Since you find it difficult to balance for the first few days while taking a shower due to your sprained ankle. Elevation: Keep the injured ankle above your heart to reduce the flow of blood and other body fluids to the injury site. Also, we discuss how to fasten up your recovery. How To Disconnect Tandem Pump For Shower. information submitted for this request. Start to exercise seated on a chair or on the floor. So this article will answer, How to shower with a sprained ankle? Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: Pain Swelling Bruising Limited ability to move the affected joint Slowly pull the foot toward you. Rises. Mooventhan A, et al. It is also important to avoid reaching for items that are out of reach, as this can increase the risk of falling. Ankle sprain. Seated shower is the best way to enjoy a comfortable shower with a sprained ankle. Ensure to wrap the injury with a bandage once you apply the ingredients. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can also wrap up your cast or a boot in a plastic bag to avoid water reaction. And I will share some easy ways to shower. Before going on, please combine your physicians advice with our guidance for better outcomes. 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. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Depending on your sprained ankle situation, it is best to avoid showers for almost 2 days. Be confident that the person is entirely at ease with this given task, as they will undoubtedly get a good look at you. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Keep the ice on your ankle for 10-15 minutes at a time 2-3 times per day to help alleviate some of the pain. 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. As you become stronger, do this exercise keeping your weight on just the injured side as you lower yourself down. But showering or bathing efficiently can save gallons of water, lower your energy costs, and restore precious time you might have been wasting. How does waiting on prostate cancer treatment affect survival? With proper planning and preparation, it is possible to maintain both physical and mental well-being even when dealing with an injury. Using tape, wrap it just above the boot or cast to make it waterproof. Accessed May 27, 2017. Moreover, always wear a brace that will help to provide stability to the injured area. If a hot shower is what your body craves in the morning, youre not alone. There are so many razors out here to choose from that it can be mind-numbing. Next, apply conditioner to soften your strands. A very minor injury can be recovered in a week. Gillette is by far my favorite brand of handheld razors, sometimes referred to as razor handles. Second: Restoring range of motion, strength and flexibility for one to two weeks. It is okay to take a shower, but if you want to avoid chronic issues such as pain, swelling, and inflammation. Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall for balance. How To Heal A Sprained Ankle Faster: Things To Do & Things To Avoid. RICEis an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation: The RICE therapy is highly preferable by many physicians since it effectively speeds up healing. Review/update the 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). Maughan KL. Tip #4: Fully Restore Your Ankle's Strength And Flexibility. Good hygiene is an essential part of protecting your health, so establishing a solid, consistent showering or bathing routine is pretty important. The easiest way to do this is to wrap your ankle with an ACE bandage. Some people swear by showering twice a day: once in the morning, then later in the afternoon or right before bed. Depending on how many ligaments are injured, your sprain will be classified as Grade 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). So, that wraps it on how to shower with a sprained ankle and some helpful tips to help you speed up the recovery time. It is critical to prevent you from falling when you lose your stability. Return to the starting position. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Switch to lukewarm or cool water for the final rinse of your hair and your body. Once the swelling and pain is lessened enough to resume movement, your doctor will ask you to begin a series of exercises to restore your ankle's range of motion, strength, flexibility and stability. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Showering with a sprained ankle can be a challenging and daunting task, especially if the injury is severe. But there are actually techniques that can make your showers more efficient. (2019). Use a plastic stool/chair Another way for you to make your life simple is by using a plastic stool or chair. It is important to consult with your doctor about these shared ways, so that you can choose the best way according to expert advice. The treatment goals are to reduce pain and swelling, promote healing of the ligament, and restore function of the ankle. Switch the water tap on for the shower to open the water flow and enjoy your shower. Hold for 1520 seconds. 2013;48:528. Unable to bear weight or walk. Loop an elasticized band or tubing around the foot, holding it gently taut (A). Here is some professional advice that will help you discover how to take a bath with an injured leg. As soon as you can, rest your ankle and put an ice pack on it to decrease the swelling. Slowly lower the heel. Non-slip mats or strips can be placed on the floor and inside the tub or shower to provide additional traction and prevent falls. The majority of people crank the handle all the way up. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. But when was the last time you wondered if you were actually doing it right? Try wrapping an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth and applying it to the painful area. Ensure that your shower accessories, such as body wash, shampoo, and others, are within your reach. Repeat 30 times. If you must move around, try to stay off the injured leg completely by using crutches for at least 2-3 days. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. When you twist or sprain your ankle, putting compression on the injured area can help reduce swelling and pain. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. During a physical, your doctor will examine your ankle, foot and lower leg. Ice.Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day. Question No 3: How can a person speed up the healing process of sprained Ankle? Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. https://clinicalkey.com. After making the mixture, smoothly scrub the boot or cast down with a clean towel or cloth. A sprain results from a tear or stretch of ligaments in your ankle. You should try stretching your ankle gently to increase blood flow within the injured zone and hasten healing. Many factors influence healing. Ask a dermatologist: Do long, hot showers damage your skin? If youre washing your hair, apply shampoo by squirting a quarter-sized amount into your palm. Answer: A person can walk on a sprained ankle. When done, you can dry your body with a towel and carefully cut off the plastic bag. Smith Edwards is a licensed plumber and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. 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. If it is difficult to take showers, you can try bathtubs if you dont have any separate seat for showers. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. This can be achieved by placing a pillow or cushion under the injured foot and wearing loose-fitting shoes or slippers. A review of studies involving more than 15,000 patients concluded that theOttawa rules identified patients with ankle fractures more than 95% of the time. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. The first goal is to decrease pain and swelling and protect the ligaments from further injury. If there is no broken bone you are safe to put some weight on the leg. Moreover, try not to move the ankle unnecessarily to speed up the healing process. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. The severity of a sprain can vary greatly . If you find it hard to bathe, consider turning your shower into a sprained ankle-friendly oasis. Sprained Ankle. Showering too often can even dry out your skin, making it vulnerable to other skin conditions. Create a stirrup. Massage your hair with conditioner, paying special attention to your ends. Taking an over-the-counter pain killer. Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap. Depending on the condition of a sprained ankle, it is best to consult the doctor. 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. link to Gillette ProGlide Versus Gillette Mach 3: Battle of the Razor Handles! Trace the alphabet with your toe. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Rest your ankle by not walking on it. But, if you can take a shower without hurting your sprained ankle, then its fine. Release. Ankle sprains occur due to stretching one or more ligaments in the ankle. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of We avoid using tertiary references. and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Sit on a chair with the foot of the affected . Resting and icing the foot. The injury occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. He or she may want to see you immediately if your pain and swelling are severe, or if the ankle feels numb or won't bear weight. The reason is walking usually delays the healing process of a sprained ankle. For self-care of an ankle sprain, use the R.I.C.E. RICE therapy might seem simple, but its been found to be very helpful during ankle sprain recovery. The treatment options weve discussed above may support healing for an ankle sprain. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Repeat 20-30 times. Rest. Once you get used to the steps above, you may notice that you can cut back on the time you spend in the shower. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on If there is no broken bone you are safe to put some weight on the leg. Common symptoms of an ankle sprain may include: If you have any doubt about whether your ankle is fractured or sprained, seek medical attention immediately. In fact, dermatologists recommend showering in water thats lukewarm or slightly warm. 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. Most often, water is frozen in a paper cup and then rubbed directly on the injured area for 5-10 minutes. An X-ray shows bones and can show if the tendon has become calcified or hardened, and can show bone spurs. Place the front piece over the liner. Instead, ask for assistance or rearrange items before starting the shower. Ice. Apply heat for up to 20 minutes three times a day. Keep weight off the ankle as much as possible. Where is the pain? Warm up before you exercise or play sports. If your symptoms aren't better in two to four weeks, you may need to see a physical therapist or other specialist. The foot rolls inward, damaging the ligaments of the outer ankle the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament. Curbing nearsightedness in children: Can outdoor time help? X-rays aren't routinely used to evaluate ankle injuries. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Ankle sprain or sprained heels can happen to anyone while walking, exercising, running and doing household work. You may want to write a list that includes the following: Your doctor may ask some of the following questions: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Use a wall, chair, or rail for balance. A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. Compress (wrap) the ankle lightly -- not tightly -- with . If it's a severe sprain, you might have felt a "pop" when the injury happened. Stand one arm's length from the wall. 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. Got gout or battling bursitis? View complete answer on myhealth.alberta.ca, View complete answer on kneewalkercentral.com, View complete answer on foundationptsa.com, View complete answer on mdorthospecialists.com, View complete answer on hmpgloballearningnetwork.com, View complete answer on verywellhealth.com, View complete answer on cambridgefootandankle.com, View complete answer on independentlyyours.org, View complete answer on thrive.kaiserpermanente.org, View complete answer on vittorifootclinic.com. Answer: To increase the healing process of sprained ankles follow the rice strategy. Place the injured foot behind the other foot, toes facing forward. NEW YORK (AP) New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle missed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat on Sunday because of a sprained left ankle. If the sprained ankle is severe or if there is significant pain or swelling, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Jumping in a hot shower and washing dirt, oil, and sweat off your body seems like it would be hard to mess up. All links, videos and images are provided by 3rd parties. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. http://www.uptodate.com/home. A shower stool or bench allows the person to sit while showering, which can help to reduce the weight on the injured foot and reduce the risk of falls. Stay off your ankle as much as possible. Lather up, focusing on your scalp as well as the nape of your neck. Compression. 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. Limit weight bearing and use crutches if necessary. Rest the heel of the injured foot on the floor. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Its often a nuisance wrapping up your cast or boot in a plastic bag whenever you take a shower. For a Grade 1 (mild) sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. This content does not have an English version. If you have any questions, feedback, or inquiry about our products or services, feel free to engage us through info@transformbathroom.com. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Mayo Clinic Q and A: How to avoid an ankle injury, Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot, Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury, Landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting, Walking or exercising on an uneven surface, Another person stepping or landing on your foot during a sports activity. Standing stretch. This may be your primary care physician Keeping the knee straight, slowly pull back on the band until you feel the upper calf stretch. After your sprained ankle is diagnosed, your doctor will determine the grade of your sprain to help develop a treatment plan. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Journal of Athletic Training. Preventing ovarian cancer: Should women consider removing fallopian tubes? From our end, we can only recommendtherapeutic handheld showerheadsto aid your bathing experience. Accessed May 25, 2017. You can then press and release the air bulb until your ankle area feels secure. warmth, swelling, or flushing in the joint. As it is better to choose a way depending on your ankle situation. Common signs could include the following: Getting discharged from the clinic with amobility devicemakes moving around the house more bearable. In the case of a severe sprain, a cast or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle while it heals. Why Do I Dizzy and Nauseous in the Shower? other information we have about you. Other than having therapeutic showers, youll need to practice other home remedies to speed up the recovery time and get back to your normal routine. A moderate sprain involves a complete tear of the ligament, and can cause significant swelling and instability. A sprain can be difficult to differentiate from a broken bone without an X-ray. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Alternatively, you can have your assistant aid you into a bathtub with your ankle set up on the side of the tub. Hold for a few seconds. Pain with weight bearing and walking. Your skin might look better if you cut back to a few showers per week, especially during the winter months when the air is dry and you arent sweating as much. Girl sprains her ankle in high heeled knee shoes on beach, bandages ankle. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Thanks for visiting. Loop an elasticized band or tubing around the ball of the foot. Once youre finished in the bath, towel-dry your body, and use a moisturizer right away to seal hydration into your skin. Repeat 30 times. This encourages ankle movement in all directions. It may provide you with instant relief. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. A Healthy Journal was born out of passion, the passion for food, but mainly for a healthy life. Youll want to use moisturizing cream right out of the shower for best results because it seals hydration into your skin. Take a couple of sick days from work. Accessed May 25, 2017. Massage Massage can help ease pain while promoting blood flow to the sprained area. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. After youve showered and made your body clean and refreshed, its wise to do the same for your cast or boot. All of these ways are best to have a smooth shower with a sprained ankle. I am a very hairy guy and have personally tested every razor I can get my hands on. Typically, compression is added to provide additional swelling management. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150. Sprain. It promotes fast blood circulation to the injured zone. Consider a traditional poultice such as onion, garlic, olive oil, castor oil, or turmeric to help minimize swelling. The severity of a sprained ankle can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the ligament damage. Toilet Losing Water in the Bowl? Learn more. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. First, warm the ingredients before smoothly applying them to your injured area. Mild pain, swelling, and tenderness. Use crutches or apply a splint or brace to limit use of your injured ankle. Every parent and athlete knows this age-old remedy for minor muscle sprains and strains, and doctors also recommend it because its effective. Moving and gradually using the area can help maintain a better range of motion. Showering with a sprained ankle can be a challenge due to discomfort, instability, and risk of further injury. No difficulty bearing weight. A sprained ankle may sometimes be extremely painful. You can purchase a plastic stool or lawn chair you can comfortably sit on while showering. Severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. If you do not follow these then the injury may heal in weeks and months. Why do most students drop out of college? Overall, Epsom salt helps soothe sore connective tissues and muscles, which helps with joint stiffness. The content is not intended to substitute This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together. Along with his wife Julie, they are bathroom experts from home improvement to shaving and everything in between! In fact, dermatologists recommend showering in water that's lukewarm or slightly warm. Enter Wrap the soft liner around your foot and leg. Why you should not give money to panhandlers? Accessed May 25, 2017. Surgery may be performed to: There is a problem with This exercise can place a lot of stress on the ankle, so get your clinician's go-ahead before trying it. After that, sit on the stool or chair. Alternatively you can bathe/shower by sitting on a bath board. It sometimes occurs alongside other mental health conditions. Hold your other foot off the ground behind you, with knee slightly bent. However, if you are experiencing a great deal of pain, and get some relief from keeping your ankle wrapped at night, an elastic bandage should help. Instead, use crutches during the first few days of the injury. Mild to moderate joint instability. Because walking with a sprained ankle might be painful, you may need to use crutches until the pain subsides. Ankle alphabet. Sprained ankle. In case the injury is very severe then the healing process of a sprained ankle can last for six to twelve weeks. the ligaments are healing. Typically, your balance may be off the first few days you take a shower. 5. All ankle sprains, from mild to severe, require three phases of recovery: Phase 1 includes resting, protecting, and reducing swelling of your injured ankle. Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility. Some loss of range of motion and function.
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