Treatment
Many problems resulting from sprains are due to swelling in and around the ankle. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster. The RICE protocol facilitates this process.
- Rest: no weight-bearing activities for the first 24 hours after the injury or longer, depending upon severity.
- Ice: apply ice packs to the area that is painful or the focal point of the injury. If you suffer from poor circulation to your legs and feet be careful to avoid frostbite. Apply ice intermittently for the first 24 hours, utilizing a pattern of 20 minutes of ice followed by 60 minutes without ice.
- Compression: apply an ACE bandage or other elastic wrap to the ankle to help prevent swelling.
- Elevation: elevate the ankle to reduce swelling. By having the foot positioned higher than the hip (or heart), the force of gravity is used to drain swelling out of the ankle.
In the initial 24 hours after an ankle sprain, avoid the following activities, which might increase swelling:
- hot showers
- heat rubs (counterirritants such as Ben Gay)
- hot packs
- alcoholic beverages
- hot Epsom salts foot baths
- aspirin — a blood thinner prolongs the clotting time of blood, thereby causing more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process.)
Depending on the severity of the ankle sprain and in the absence of a fracture, the patient can begin to bear weight as tolerated following the initial 24 hours of treatment. Gradually progress to full weight-bearing activities as comfortable. An ankle brace can help protect the joint from further injury. As soon as pain isn’t as prominent, rehabilitation exercises can begin.
If the ankle is obviously fractured or dislocated, seek medical attention immediately. There is an increased chance of a fracture in instances of first time ankle sprains. If you are fairly certain that it is sprained, use the RICE protocol for 24 hours and schedule an appointment with a medical professional. In some instances, a fracture of one of the bones in the leg or ankle can occur with a sprain. Be aware that pain alone is not necessarily a reliable guide concerning the presence or absence of a fracture. Fractures should always be diagnosed by a medical professional with an X-ray examination.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Rehabilitation is the most important aspect of recovery when suffering an ankle injury. Begin the alphabet exercise, which involves trying to trace the letters of the alphabet with your toes/foot, early on to promote healing and to reduce loss of motion and strength.
Most sprains heal within a few weeks. However, the greater the severity of the injury, the longer the recovery time. Many cases necessitate rehab exercises to continue for a month or two following the injury or even formal physical therapy.
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