Sustaining an injury can have a significant impact on your daily activities, especially if it’s a sprain. A sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn due to damage from a sudden twist, fall, or hit. One of the most common sprains is the deltoid ligament sprain, which happens when the ligaments on the inside of your ankle are damaged. Recognizing what the symptoms of a deltoid ligament sprain are early can help you identify the injury and seek appropriate treatment. While you may be undergoing physiotherapy or chiropractic care to speed up your healing process, you may also wonder how long a deltoid ligament sprain lasts and what lifestyle factors can influence recovery. A dietitian or naturopathic doctor can help you select the right foods for your diet to support healing. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with helpful information on the foods to avoid with a deltoid ligament sprain to prevent further injury and promote recovery.
Foods with inflammatory properties.
Inflammatory foods can increase your inflammation levels, which can hinder the healing process of your deltoid ligament sprain and cause more discomfort. Foods that are high in refined sugar, fried foods and red meat are examples of inflammatory foods to avoid. Avoid consuming processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and trans fats as this can increase inflammation.
Acidic foods.
Acidic foods can slow down the body’s healing process and increase swelling, so it’s essential to avoid such foods. Foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can cause acidic levels to rise. Try replacing these foods with alkaline-producing foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Salty foods.
Sodium is known to cause water retention, and this can cause swelling in the injured ankle, which will prolong the healing process. Salt is found in processed foods, restaurant foods, and most snack foods. It’s essential to avoid these and instead focus on consuming whole foods such as lean meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Alcohol and Caffeine.
Alcohol can dehydrate your body, which will reduce your body’s ability to heal. Caffeine can exacerbate inflammation and can cause dehydration, so it’s important to limit your consumption of coffee, soda, or tea. Instead, opt for natural beverages such as water or herbal tea.
Dairy products.
While dairy is a good source of calcium, it can increase your inflammation levels. To reduce inflammation, try to avoid consuming dairy products, especially cheese and creamy sauces. You can replace dairy with almond, soy, or rice-based milk alternatives.
When you have a deltoid ligament sprain, it’s vital to take every step toward your healing process by avoiding harmful foods that can increase inflammation levels. In addition to diet, understanding what the best treatment for deltoid ligament sprains is can help ensure a faster and more complete recovery. In this blog post, we have shared helpful information on foods to avoid, which can promote healing and prevent complications. Focus on consuming whole foods that contain low levels of fats and avoid processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. It’s important to remember that while diet plays a role in the healing process, it’s essential to seek the right medical attention and treatment for manual recovery—such as with a physiotherapist or chiropractic doctor—and to consult a registered dietitian or naturopath to ensure your diet supports full recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to explore naturopathic medicine further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Michael Torreiter, ND, CFMP, or another Waterloo Naturopath at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
You can read more about the Deltoid Ligament Sprains and its effects on our condition page.
