A sprained ankle is a prevalent injury that affects individuals of all ages in all parts of the globe. When an individual ends up with a sprained ankle, it occurs once the ligaments that support the ankle bones together are overly stretched or torn. This injury is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joint.
The individual should avoid walking using the affected ankle, apply an ice pack and raise the joint above the level of the heart for 48 hours. Aside from these initial measures, the individual might take medications to minimize the swelling and alleviate the ankle pain.
Naproxen sodium
This is a commonly used medication to manage a sprained ankle. Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that minimizes the chemical signals that trigger swelling and pain after sustaining a sprained ankle.
The medication is readily available over-the-counter while stronger forms are given by prescription only. The individual should carefully follow the directions on the label and use as directed to manage a sprained ankle.
Those who have liver, stomach, heart or kidney problems should not use this medication since it can further lead to complications. The serious side effects include vomiting up blood, stomach pain, blood-streaked stools, coughing up blood, dark urine and clay-colored stools.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is commonly used in topical form that controls the pain associated with a sprained ankle. The medication contains the substance that provides chili peppers their spiciness.
Once applied on the affected ankle, it can cause a burning sensation that eventually subsides after a few minutes. The burning sensation is believed to reduce the substance P which is a chemical signal in the nerves that triggers pain.
As the amount of substance P diminishes, the pain is reduced. The medication is considered safe to use in most cases but the individual should always wash hands to avoid getting the capsaicin cream into the eyes or to other mucous membranes.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a commonly used medication to manage a sprained ankle. This is a pain medication and fever reducer that minimizes the chemical signals in the brain that are linked to pain.
A sprained ankle triggers the release of chemical signals that acetaminophen blocks. Even though highly effective in regulating the pain, it could not reduce the inflammation. This medication is available over-the-counter and an individual should not take more than 1 g per dosage and 4 g per day to avoid any serious damage to the liver. The indications of liver damage include clay-colored stools, stomach pain and dark urine. Once an individual has any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek immediate medical care.