Does Soaking Ankle Sprains in Cold Water Help?

1. Ankle sprains generally refer to sprains of the ankle joint. Soaking the feet in cold water after ankle sprains is useful, but other treatment measures also need to be taken.

2. After an ankle sprain, due to local soft tissue damage, capillary rupture, and tissue fluid leakage, local accumulation occurs, and patients may experience edema accompanied by pain. Soaking the feet in cold water can promote local vasoconstriction, effectively reduce tissue fluid leakage, decrease edema, and also relieve pain to a certain extent. Therefore, soaking the feet in cold water is useful.

3. Soaking the feet in cold water alone may not promote recovery from the injury, so other treatments are also required. After soaking the feet in cold water, a hot compress should be applied 48 hours later to promote local blood circulation, accelerate edema absorption, and facilitate repair of tissue damage. If the sprain is more severe, medications that promote blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis, such as Shujin Huoxue Pill and Didau Pill, should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Pay attention to safety during exercise and avoid dangerous activities. Also, take prompt measures to handle ankle sprains when they occur.