Is voltaren gel good for sprained ankle?

If you’re an athletic person or just happened to stumble over something, spraining your ankle is pretty common. It’s one of the most common injuries in sports and activities such as running, jumping or doing absolutely nothing.

But don’t worry because there are many treatments and remedies available out there. One popular option that athletes might recommend is using Voltaren gel on a sprained ankle. So, we’ll answer the question: Is Voltaren gel good for sprained ankle?

What is Voltaren Gel?

First things first, let’s introduce what exactly Voltaren gel is. The active ingredient in this topical medicine is diclofenac sodium, which works by reducing swelling and inflammation at the site of an injury.

It has been used since 1985 as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily prescribed to reduce pain from arthritis or joint inflammation.

However, not all NSAIDs come in a topical form like gels – topical use offers targeted relief with minimal systemic side effects compared to oral tablets.

Can You Use it For Sprains?

Now back to our original question; can you use it for treating a sprain? Yes! Diclofenac chlorhydrate has been found effective in controlling pain associated with acute soft tissue injuries (including sprains).

When applied topically, voltaren helps alleviate symptoms quickly because it gets absorbed into the surrounding tissues directly where they’re needed instead of being passed through various organs before reaching that spot (Do doctors love how localized effects work during treatment? Absolutely!)

However,don’t be fooled by immediate reduction reciting longer-term cautionary tales – stiffness may increase after stopping voltaren application while some would argue there’s no harm done either way when considering long term outcomes!

Therefore if you have recently suffered from an ankle strain or any other type of sprain; you can apply Voltaren gel to relieve the pain almost immediately.

How To Use Voltaren Gel

Before slapping Voltaren on your sprained ankle, there are a few things you should know. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Clean the area around the injury first thoroughly to prevent bacteria or other harmful substances from entering (use gentle soap and water).
  2. Dry off with a towel or air dry.
  3. Apply enough gel in light coats – this makes sure absorption occurs throughout 12 hours including without treatments being repeated excessively which may cause digestive failure since fresh application is better than stockpiling upon built on previous ones’ residue.
  4. Massage gently for several minutes until absorbed and into deeper tissues – you don’t want it all sitting at one spot, do you?
  5. Wash your hands afterwards, otherwise accidental transfer might lead them also tingling.

To ensure effective treatment, follow these steps twice per day for two weeks and restart if required.

For kids under eighteen years old, administration requires medical professionals’ instruction so reach out directly!

Precautionary Measures

As always some precautions must be taken when working with any medication or drug:

  • Women who are pregnant/or contemplating pregnany, nursing mothers or individuals allergic to diclofenac sodium shouldn’t use voltaren.
  • If symptoms intensify after using voltarol within hours/days then doctor’s attentions best course of action would be contacting their physician as soon possible instead going overboard yourselves
  • Individuals with blood clotting issues should avoid using this type of drug because they will have increased bleeding tendencies while carrying out their daily activities.

Other Useful Tips

Aside from using topical medications such as voltarol gel there are many other ways that athletes can speed up their recovery time:

1) RICE therapy (Rest,IcepacksCompressionandElevations)

RICE helps to reduce swelling, bruising and inflammation. It also helps to stabilize the ankle joint by keeping it immobile.

2) Gentle stretching

Fluid movements of the soft tissues, such as ankle circles or towel stretches may improve flexibility relieving immediate pain longer-term

3) Exercise with caution

If your sprained ankle is feeling better after about two weeks, you can start doing simple exercises like walking etc… just don’t be too hasty and push too hard too fast! Overexertion before healing hits home will cause more harm than good

4) Manage the pain level
Pain relief in moderation is important for getting high quality sleep plus avoid overmedicating oneself finding suitable amounts balances between achieving results without stepping into dazed territory.

Conclusion

In summary,Voltarol gel has been found effective on controlling acute musculoskeletal (soft tissue injuries including sprains), reducing stiffness and improving movement range.

However taking preventative measures are equally important which include RICE therapy, gentle exercising/stretches/movements management of pain levels where necessary when used correctly these tips could accelerate speedy recovery though beware there are no miracle cures just take advantage of available treatmentsavailable 🙂

So if you’re currently dealing with a painful sprained ankle, go ahead try some Voltaren gel treatment while employing other recommended solutions for safe approach – relief never tasted so sweet.

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