How to Treat an ankle sprain

Spraining your ankle can be both very painful and aggravating. Usually it happens during a normal routine day and not necessarily during a strenuous activity like running or jumping. It seems like everything is going fine and then all of a sudden you become almost an invalid. Treating the ankle properly is important for a quick recovery and to prevent further damage. Fortunately, it is very common and help is easily available. The treatment will depend on the severity level of the strain.

Instructions

1. 

   Evaluate the level of the sprain. Normally this is done by a doctor. When the term "sprained ankle" is used, it is referring to an injury to one of the ligaments that hold the foot bones together in the ankle joint. They are made up of collagen fibers and are quite elastic but have their limits. It is when this limit is exceeded that the strain occurs. A level one sprain is a slight over-stretching of the ligament with a little tearing. Level two is a partial tearing of the ligament to the point of extra looseness in the joint (laxity). Level three is the worst with a complete tear of the ligament and abnormal looseness in the joint.

2. 

   Initiate the R.I.C.E treatment. On all three levels the initial treatment is to stop using the ankle until it is evaluated. An X-ray may be necessary to determine if a bone has been broken If it is a level one sprain, the ankle will be tender and probably be a little painful to step on but it will be functional. The R.I.C.E. treatment is usually recommended. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate. Rest will allow the ligaments to start healing. Ice will keep down the swelling (do 20 minutes three or four times a day for the first 48 hours). Compression will reduce swelling, strengthen the ankle and reduce movement of the stretched ligaments. Elevation above the heart will reduce swelling if done for the first 48 hours. On a level two sprain, more healing time is involved, sometimes a splint is recommended. A level three sprain will require complete immobilization by use of a splint or cast and sometimes even surgery to repair the tear. Most sprains will heal with the proper immobilization of the ankle.

3. 

   Rehabilitate the ankle. This is usual done in three phases. The first phase of rest is usually for a week. The second phase of restoring motion and flexibility will take one to two weeks depending on the severity of the sprain. The third phase of restoring strength to the ankle will done over weeks and maybe months utilizing exercises that do not require twisting or turning of the ankle. The proper rehab is very important for severe level three sprains or full motion may never be restored.

4. 

   Control the pain. Usually nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to help with pain and reduce swelling. Stronger pain medication may be prescribed for more severe cases. The resting of the ankle will help reduce the amount of pain perceived along with the ice treatment.

5. 

   Prevent future injury by wearing the proper shoes with good stability. Use the ankle to strengthen the ligaments but stop as soon as pain occurs. Warm up your muscles before doing any strenuous activity and pay attention to your surroundings.

Tips & Warnings

• This is no substitute for a doctor's advice, only information on what to expect.