Sprains and Strains

Stepping off the curb in a wrong way, losing your balance when walking (especially easy to do when you wear high-heeled shoes), falling on an outstretched hand—all of these can lead to a sudden twisting of an ankle, wrist, or hip joint, resulting in a sprain or strain.

Although sprains and strains are similar, there is a difference. A sprain affects ligaments and is a pitta condition. It is caused by excessive stretching or even tearing of the ligament and involves pain, swelling, and blackish-bluish discoloration. A strain affects muscle, is due to vata, and does not produce bruise discoloration, although there is pain.

WRAP IT UP. Whenever there is a strain or sprain, as soon as possible wrap the area in an elastic bandage.

DRINK SOME JUICE. Then drink some pineapple or pomegranate juice. These juices contain an enzyme that acts as an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory. This helps to pacify pitta and accelerates the healing process.

SOAK IT. For ankle sprain, soak your foot in a pot of hot water with a homemade mustard seed tea bag. Make the bag by tying up 2 teaspoons of brown mustard seeds in a handkerchief, some cheesecloth, or other light cloth. Immerse the bag in the hot water.

To relieve the swelling, soak the foot for 15 minutes in hot water with 2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water.

APPLY A HEALING PASTE. Make a paste out of ½ teaspoon turmeric and ½ teaspoon salt, with enough water to form the paste. Use cool water. Applying it to the injury will help reduce swelling.

If it is a strain rather than a sprain, use a hot paste of turmeric and salt to help pacify the vata.

HERBAL REMEDY. If you can’t tell whether it is a strain or a sprain, take capsules of kaishore guggulu (200 mg. twice a day); this herbal formula will help heal both conditions.

SUGGESTION: If you want to avoid sprained and strained ankles, don’t wear high-heeled shoes.