Introduction
A swollen ankle can significantly limit the daily activities of those affected. Some home remedies can be very helpful in alleviating accompanying symptoms such as pain, swelling or even a restriction of movement in the joint. If they are also used correctly in terms of duration and dosage, they can even reduce or, in some cases, completely replace external application with ointments containing active ingredients and the taking of medication.
Quarkwrap
Quark wrap soothes the symptoms of swollen ankles mainly through its cooling effect. When quark from the refrigerator is applied, the difference in temperature causes the vessels in the inflamed area to contract. As a result, blood circulation decreases and stored fluid can be more easily removed.
The circumference of the ankle decreases reactively. Due to its moisture, the curd cheese also has a cooling effect for a particularly long time, as evaporation cold is generated. Its ingredients have less of a positive influence on the healing process because they are not concentrated enough. In addition, very few ingredients can sufficiently overcome the skin barrier. However, curd wraps are not harmful at all.
Alternating baths
Alternating baths are characterized by the fact that the water temperature is alternately changed from cold to hot during their use. They are not recommended for swollen ankles, as an additional supply of heat hinders the healing process. If heat is supplied to tissue that is already inflamed and has an increased blood supply, the symptoms such as redness, pain and swelling tend to increase, since the vessels supplying the heat are positioned even further than they were previously in the joint inflammation. A water bath with cold water can, however, have a very good symptom-relieving effect, as it reduces swelling.
Epsom salts
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are not suitable for the causal therapy of swollen ankles. Neither when used externally nor when taken as a powder or tablet can it have a proven positive effect on the healing process of a swollen ankle. The typical areas of application for Epsom salts are constipation or intestinal cleansing, e.g. during fasting. An anti-inflammatory effect is not to be expected with a swollen joint.
