Ankle sprains or injuries are one of the commonest sports injuries in young individuals. Sprain is term used for torn ligament around any joint. Severity of injury depends on degree of ligament tear. Mechanism of injury is sudden twist of the leg over ankle on a completely rested foot on the ground. Most of the Grade I and Grade II are simple to treat if you follow a strict regimen described below. The main aim of treatment is to rest the ankle for a period of 2 to 3 weeks immediately after injury.
American Foot and Ankle society suggests R.I.C.E treatment for all grade I and II ankle sprains.
R: Rest
(R) Rest the injured ankle by not putting weight while walking. Use of crutches or walker can help to move around without keeping the injured limb on the ground. Rest for 2 to 3 weeks is compulsory for complete cure of ankle sprains.
I: Ice
(I) Local ice pack application may help to reduce swelling and also the pain. Do not bring direct contact of ice on the skin. Use an ice pack or thin piece of cloth rolled on to the ice cubes for local application. This should be done intervals of 2 to 3 hours for 3 to 5 minutes.
C: Compression
(C) Compression with help of brace or crepe bandage may help to prevent swelling and also helps to support the injured ankle.
E: Elevation
(E) Elevate the injured ankle with a pillow. This can help to reduce the swelling.
If the above mentioned steps are followed properly you can prevent the long term effects of ankle sprain like recurrent pain, instability and swelling of ankle.