Is My Ligament Injury Serious or Just a Minor Strain? - #14569

It sounds like your ankle injury may have affected the ligaments, especially if you’re still experiencing pain and instability after the initial swelling subsided. Ligament injuries can take longer to heal than muscle strains, and it’s important to avoid putting too much pressure on the injured area during recovery. Rest is crucial, but gentle movement and stretching, under the guidance of a physiotherapist, can help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Ayurvedic herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia) and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in healing ligament injuries by reducing swelling and improving circulation. Additionally, topical oils with ingredients like ginger or eucalyptus can provide relief and support tissue repair. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for imaging tests like an MRI to assess the extent of the injury. Healing time varies but could take a few weeks to months depending on the severity, so listen to your body and take it slow with rehabilitation.

It sounds like your ankle issue might be more than just a regular sprain, especially if you’re feeling instability in your knee. A twisted ankle leading to lingering pain and instability could suggest a ligament injury. You’re right that ligament injuries often take longer to heal than muscular strains. They can indeed be serious if not managed properly, so don’t ignore the signals your body is giving. A visit to a doctor might be on cards if the pain persists.

Now, about keeping active vs resting. It’s a bit of a tightrope walk. You don’t want to completely immobilize your ankle, but definitely avoid high-impact activities until you’re sure it’s healing properly. Gentle movement can help in preventing stiffness but be cautious not to push it too hard. Listening to your body’s reaction after mild activities is key.

On the Ayurvedic side of things, you’re spot on with those herbs—Shallaki (Boswellia) and turmeric—both have anti-inflammatory properties which could support the healing process. You might consider taking these supplements twice a day after meals. But, of course, it’s best to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can guide you based on your prakriti (constitution) and current state of balance or imbalance in your doshas. Along these lines, consider the application of a warm paste made from sesame oil and turmeric on the affected area; it might assist with reducing inflammation and providing some pain relief.

Physiotherapy can be very helpful in strengthening the surrounding muscles and providing stability to the joint, but timing is important. Visiting a physiotherapist can aid in formulating a specific plan once the acute pain has subsided slightly.

Ligament injuries can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to heal, depending on the severity. Hence, patience is essential. If the pain doesn’t start to improve, or the sensation of your knee giving out continues, an MRI scan or medical consultation could be a next reasonable step. Just make sure not to rush back into high-impact exercises until you’re truly ready—better safe than sorry, right?