Home Remedies and Herbs for Sprains, Strains, and Sprained Ankle

Sprains, strains and sprained ankle are all similar conditions that are often grouped together to describe the same types of symptoms. But there are differences between a sprain vs strain. Sprains and strains involve different body parts. ¹

Here are the differences of a sprain vs strain: 

• Sprain - Involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissue on the joints that connect two bones together. Sprains most frequently occur in the ankle. Sprained wrist can also occur often in sports injuries.
• Strain - Involves stretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons. Tendons are a cord of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. Muscle or tendon strains commonly occur in the hamstring or low back.

Minor sprains and strains can be treated at home by icing, resting and elevating the affected area. Other strains and sprained ankle natural remedies are also available. ¹ 

In severe cases, strains and sprains may not heal on their own properly and may require surgery to repair torn muscles, tendons and ligaments. ¹

What Causes Sprains, Strains, and Sprained Ankle?

There are countless sprains, strains and sprained ankle causes that can affect almost anyone. 

Sprains are caused when a part of your body is overextended and stretches or tears a ligament. Sprains can be caused by: 

• Knee - twist the knee joint from running or other exercise
• Ankle - fall on the side of the foot or rolled ankle are the most common sprained ankle causes
• Wrist - bracing yourself from falling
• Thumbs and fingers -injury from playing sports

Strains can be either acute or chronic. Acute strains occur when a muscle suddenly becomes pulled. This could be from a fall or from lifting a heavy object. A chronic strain occurs when there is a continuous repetitive motion involved such as through sports or work that requires lots of repetitive physical labor. ¹
 
Sprains, Strains, and Sprained Ankle Symptoms

Strain vs sprain symptoms can be different. Sprain symptoms include: 

• Localized pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited mobility of the affected joint
• Possible popping sound when injury occurs especially with a sprained wrist or knee

Strain symptoms include: 

• Localized pain
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms, weakness or cramping
• Difficulty moving the affected muscle

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Sprains, Strains, and Sprained Ankle

The following are sprains, strains and sprained ankle natural remedies to try at home:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a common sprained ankle natural remedy because of its anti-inflammatory health benefits that can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. 
• Arnica - Arnica can act as a sprained ankle natural remedy by reducing swelling and improving blood circulation.
• Bromelain - Bromelain helps to reduce inflammation which alleviates pain that may be felt from a sprained wrist or ankle.
• Turmeric - Turmeric has a high concentration of curcumin which is a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling caused by strains and sprained joints.
• White Willow - White willow can help to treat strain and sprain symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
• Garlic - Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help sprains and strains to heal quickly by applying it topically to affected areas.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains-and-strains/basics/causes/con-20020958
2. https://medlineplus.gov/sprainsandstrains.html 
3. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/sprains_strains/sprains_and_strains_ff.asp