RICE Treatment

Ankle sprian Treatment Protocol:

R = Rest. Stay off the injured ankle. This helps it heal and also helps prevent further injury. Your doctor might have you use crutches if walking is too painful. Stay off your feet most of the time until you can walk without pain.

I = Ice.Apply ice as soon as possible. Ice decreases pain immediately by numbing the skin and reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels. Much of the pain from an injury is caused by swelling from torn blood vessels. Controlling the swelling helps you make a speedier recovery.

It's best to use crushed ice in a watertight bag covered with a thin cloth so it's not too cold against the skin. Apply it for 15 minutes directly over the area of swelling. Longer applications may cause a rebound dilation of the blood vessels and may actually increase swelling.

Apply the ice every four to eight hours as long as the swelling continues (even as long as a week).

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C = Compression. Compression (wrapping the ankle with a strip of elastic cloth) will help decrease swelling and support your ankle. You can use an elastic wrap from the drug store or get an air splint from your doctor. (Your doctor will show you how to use it.) Be careful not to wrap the ankle too tightly. This would slow the blood flow to your foot. Use the elastic bandage for 1 to 2 days.

E=Elevation .Elevate the injured ankle as much as possible, particularly while applying ice; this allows gravity to drain some of the swelling. Place the ankle higher than the knee, the knee higher than the hip and the hip higher than the heart. Use books, a suitcase or a box under the mattress at night; this works better than a pillow.