Health & Survival
5 minutes
Latin America
Support a sprained ankle with rest
Why this matters
Most sprains heal well if you protect the ankle in the first days instead of pushing through the pain. Simple rest and support prevent a longer, more painful recovery.
What you need
A place to rest, something to raise the foot, and a cloth or bandage for light support.
These are everyday items. If you don’t have one, look for the closest alternative — the steps will tell you what to use instead.
How to do it
Follow these steps in order. Take your time. You’ve got this.
Stop activity and rest the ankle, avoiding putting weight on it for the first day.
Raise the foot above hip level when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.
Wrap a snug but not tight bandage for support, and apply a cool cloth for 15 minutes at a time.
Your one thing today
Set up a low stool or cushion now so an injured foot can be raised easily when needed.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Do this one thing now, even if it’s small.
Come back tomorrow
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