Sprained ankle can i fly

When you stay for hours on an airplane, it could lead to more pain and swelling that just staying off, elevating it and icing it. If you will ask about how long a sprained ankle can heal, it will still depend on the severity of the sprain. It usually takes one week or more when it is not properly treated. That is the main reason why it is advised of you to consult with your doctor. The good news is that there are some essential things you can do in healing a sprained ankle.

Among those things include the application of ice, cross training, ice and physical therapy. It is a lot better if you will consult an ankle and foot surgeon as he or she can guide you through all these things. For instance, RICE is a protocol known for alleviating the pain and the sprain in your ankle. A swollen ankle need not stop your vacation, but proper treatment is essential. Photo: man with sprained ankle image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.

Traveling can be a challenge anytime you do not feel well. Long hours of sitting on a plane or in a car followed by miles of walking on marble museum floors or uneven hiking trails can exacerbate virtually any pain. Because they bear your body weight, swollen ankles need to be treated carefully to avoid damage or worsening symptoms during your trip. A swollen ankle may have many causes, from a simple sprain to heart failure. Anytime your ankle swells unexpectedly, it is important to see a doctor right away for proper diagnosis.

Even if swollen ankles are common for you, check with your doctor if your ankle swells before a trip. He or she can provide proper medication and treatment aids such as a wrap, cast or crutches. If you are traveling with someone else, let that person do the driving. Sitting in one position and repeatedly using your foot to accelerate or brake can worsen the pain and swelling.

Sit in the front passenger seat with the seat pushed back as far as possible. Use a suitcase or backpack to prop up your foot. Have you always wanted to ride in one of those airport golf carts? This is the perfect excuse to take advantage of it. I am going to suggest something that goes against everything this website stands for: Check your bag. A backpack is extra weight on your already stressed body; dragging a wheeled bag behind you takes effort and a hand that you might not have with an injury.

When we went to Hawaii, I was just beginning my minimalist packing methods so I just transferred everything I was planning on putting in my backpack into a small roller bag and checked it.

Walking boots, air casts, braces of any kind, will all start to feel way too tight when you reach 30,ft and the air pressure drops. I found out the hard way how painful it is if you forget. The feeling of my air cast expanding and squeezing the life out of my ankle had me in tears before I realized what was happening.

Be smarter than I was. I cannot express how important compression socks are for traveling if you have a lower leg injury.

The way extremities swell on planes becomes much worse if that extremity is recently injured. Compression socks are the best way to combat that. Do yourself a favor and get at least one pair for your trip. I am a big fan of Pro Compression socks. But instead we drove Chain of Craters Road and spent time in Volcano town, which ended up being one of my favorite days of the trip. Have fun and enjoy the things you can do. You might also enjoy our posts on packing for Hawaii in summer and actual injuries from heavy luggage.

About the Author: Chaia lives in Fairbanks, Alaska with her husband and furry pack of dogs and cats. Pacsafe — Since they come with extra theft-resisting features, Pacsafe bags make you a more confident traveler. We especially love this bag. Nalgene Toiletry Bottles — These leak-free toiletry bottles and tubs come in all sizes — even super tiny , helping minimalists pack it all without bulk.

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