Treatment
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Treatment of ankle sprains begins with Rest, the immediate application of Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Support (RICES). This is the first phase of the rehabilitation plan.
REST Rest involves active rest, not a program of non-weight bearing and complete inactivity. This type of rest involves removing the athlete from the sport activity and placing them in a rehabilitation program. The program begins first with easy range of motion exercises. (Moving the ankle in manner such as writing the letters of the alphabet.) ICE Ice, not heat, should be applied to the acutely injured ankle. Ice or cryotherapy will cause vasoconstriction (blood vessels close down) to limit swelling, decrease in pain, decrease in cellular metabolism, and an increase in muscular strength. Application of heat early in the recovery stage will increase swelling, pain, and cellular metabolism causing a delay in the healing process. COMPRESSION Application of an elastic wrap will help to decrease swelling. Keeping swelling down to a minimum will ultimately speed the healing process. The elastic wrap should be applied tight enough to slow the swelling process with out creating a tourniquet effect. ELEVATION Elevating the injured athlete's ankle will also help to limit swelling in the ankle. Elevation above the level of the heart provides the best results. If this is not possible, elevate above the level of the hip.
Walking with a brace to control the ankle, or walking normally with the assistance of crutches should also be encouraged. Weight bearing on the injured ankle will help to "pump" the swelling out of the ankle and prevent loss of normal gait. |
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©2000 - 2009 David Edell Information on this site is not a substitute for physician directed care. Please consult your personal physician for more detailed information concerning specific injuries or illnesses. Last Update for AthleticAdvisor.com: 10/24/2009 12:09:35 AM |
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