Ankle Sprains | Orthopedics Sports Medicine (2024)

FAQs

What sports medicine is good for ankle sprain? ›

Treatment: A simple ankle sprain is generally treated with ice, anti-inflammatory medicine and support for the ankle with a wrap, ankle brace or walking boot. Crutches may be needed to avoid putting any weight through on injured area.

Anti-inflammatory pain medications reduce pain and fight swelling. Over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen work for most people. Check with your doctor first if you have other health conditions or take any other medicines.

Treating an ankle sprain includes a mix of rest and restoration of the ligament's range of motion. Typically, the RICE approach—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—is advised in the first 24 hours following an injury to reduce swelling and protect the ligaments from further damage.

We have found that a sprained ankle still hurts after 2 weeks, however, if pain persists for 6 to 8 weeks or more, and does not seem to be improving, these additional studies may be required to make a proper diagnosis. One problem that may lead to long-term dysfunction and pain after an ankle sprain is instability.

If the bandage starts to feel tight, or if the area below it feels numb or tingly, or is cool, loosen it. Keep the bandage snug during the day, but loosen it before you go to bed. Remember, just because your ankle is wrapped doesn't mean you should use it. You need to rest it and give it time to heal.

Getting Active. The pain and swelling of an ankle sprain most often gets better within 48 hours. After that, you can begin to put weight back on your injured foot. Put only as much weight on your foot as is comfortable at first.

Your doctor may be able to tell the severity of your ankle sprain based on the amount of swelling, pain, bruising, and stability.

Symptoms of a torn ankle ligament include a 'pop' sound at the time of the injury, severe pain, a feeling of joint looseness, inability to bear weight, immediate bruising, immobility, and possible visual joint deformity.

In fact, walking on the sprained ankle can actually improve recovery and stimulate stronger healing of the injured ligaments and tendons. One important thing to keep in mind is that ankle swelling can last 2-3 months after the injury, even if the pain has completely gone away.

While you might be able to walk on your sprained ankle, it will never completely heal if keep putting pressure on your ligaments. In addition to the usual symptoms, there may also be a bone bruise of a bone chip. Bone damage could take six to twelve weeks to heal, while ligament damage could take three to six months.

Should you massage sprains? ›

Some research points to the answer being a resounding yes — you should massage a sprained ankle. This includes a 2017 study , which found that massaging the calf muscle can help improve the ankle's flexibility, as well as your ability to balance on the ankle joint.

After an acute injury, ice should be used to minimize swelling for the first two to three days. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist the natural healing process. Applying heat too early may cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow to the injury.

Depending upon the grade of injury, your doctor may recommend a cast boot, air splint, and/or crutches. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately. Your doctor may tell you to incorporate motion early in the healing process to prevent stiffness.

Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury. Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it during the day.

Use ice packs every 2 hours, applied for 15 minutes. Bandage the joint firmly, and extend the wrapping up the calf and down the foot. Raise the ankle above heart height whenever possible. Avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage in the first 48 hours, as these can all exacerbate swelling.