How To Treat A Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle occurs when a ligament in the ankle becomes torn. Multiple ligaments link the ankle bones together and keep them from moving too far. The ligament located on the outer side of the ankle is more likely to become torn. Most ankle sprains occur when an individual rolls their ankle. A sprain is diagnosed by a doctor after an examination of the foot, lower leg, and ankle. The doctor will typically touch the skin surrounding the injury and ask about the pain. They will also typically check the patient's range of motion. It's common for doctors to order an imaging scan like an x-ray to make sure the bones aren't broken.

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Get familiar with some popular options now.

Rest And Ice

The first line of treatment prescribed is typically to use rest and ice. If the patient's pain isn't severe, they can often treat mild sprains at home with this method without needing to see a doctor. A torn ligament needs time to heal. When individuals continue walking and putting pressure on their foot, it strains the ligament further, rather than allowing the bands of tissue to knit themselves back together. Ice is typically used to help manage pain and swelling. If individuals work at a job that requires them to be on their feet, they should ask if they can use a stool or chair while they heal. Affected individuals might also use crutches to keep weight off their foot. It's important to use ice safely, and not apply ice constantly to the injury. Immediately after the injury, though, patients should use an ice pack or slush bath for fifteen to twenty minutes. They should remove the ice, and then reapply it every two or three hours while they're awake. If individuals have any underlying medical conditions, they should talk to a doctor before using ice.

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Compression And Elevation

Compression and elevation are the next steps in the typical at-home care method. Patients can remember this with the initials RICE for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If the injury is very mild, individuals might not even need to use compression and elevation. However, if their pain is moderate to severe, or it persists for longer than a day, compression and elevation are excellent tools. Compression is a way of stopping swelling in the ankle. Patients can use a thin elastic bandage to stop the swelling. There are also compression stockings to help with swelling in the legs, some of which are long enough to assist with ankle swelling. Individuals should make sure they don't wrap any bandages too tightly, as this can hinder circulation. They should start the wrap at the furthest point from their heart. Elevation also reduces swelling. When sleeping at night, individuals should place their ankle on a pillow to elevate it above their heart. This encourages good circulation and fluid drainage.

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Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain medication is typically used to help mild to moderate sprains. Several pain relievers are available through pharmacies. The three most common are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. It should be noted that naproxen sodium is popular for its ability to reduce inflammation, but it shouldn't be taken long-term because of the potential to cause organ damage. If the pain is serious, individuals should talk to a doctor about other pain management options. Pain that's too severe to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers should be investigated by a doctor anyway, as the same injuries that cause sprained ankles can also cause ankle fractures. If individuals take any medications already or have any underlying health conditions, they should talk to the pharmacist when they get the pain relievers to make sure they're safe to use. Many over-the-counter pain relievers thin the blood and make it difficult to clot, which can be dangerous if patients have a bleeding disorder or certain injuries.

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Use Of Crutches

Some patients dealing with a sprained ankle might benefit from the use of crutches. The benefits of crutches will vary from case to case. If the sprain is severe enough, such as in cases where the ligament was completely snapped, affected individuals might need crutches or a wheelchair for a prolonged period. Crutches are helpful because they keep weight off the injured ankle. This prevents pain from flaring up, and it also helps to speed the healing process by keeping the ligament from being strained. Other devices and tools can be used as well. A doctor might recommend using an elastic bandage or sports tape to help stabilize the ankle. If a patient's ankle has very questionable stability or strength, their doctor might recommend using a support brace. Support braces keep the patient's ankle from rolling outward and help increase the overall strength of the limb when they walk. Severe sprains might require walking boots or casts that completely immobilize the ankle during the healing process. Patients should talk to a doctor about which treatment option is right for them.

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Exercises For Balance And Stability

An ankle sprain can lead to a destabilization of the ankle, especially if patients have a prior history of ankle injuries. After the pain and swelling have gone down enough to allow movement, part of recovery will involve exercises for balance and stability. The doctor will typically give a patient a range of different exercises that help restore the range of motion, flexibility, stability, and strength of their ankle. Patients should make sure not to take on too much too fast, as this can lead to a recurrence of the injury. Those with more moderate to severe injuries may be referred to a physical therapist to help with treatment. It's vitally important to retrain ankle muscles to work together after they've healed, as this is what will help patients regain their stability and balance. Typical exercises challenge an individual's ability to balance and stabilize. They might be asked to stand on one leg or do other balance exercises.