How to treat an Ankle sprain!

General
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Treatment is based on severity of the pain:
Grade 1: RICE = Rest, Immobilisation, Cold packs and Elevation. This is followed by weight - bearing mobilisation as and when tolerated and active exercises.
Grade 2: RICE with immobilisation by removable brace. Rest is like grade 2
Grade 3: Weight bearing is delayed and rest is the same. Physiotherapy is required to regain stability and strength.

Current trend is to treat ligament injuries, in general, by ‘functional’ method, i.e., without immobilisation. Treatment consists of RICE, for the first 2-3 days. The patient begins early protected range of motion exercises.

  • Methods are devised by which during mobilisation, stress is avoided on ‘healing’ ligaments, and the muscles around the joint are built up. For this approach, a well-developed physiotherapy unit is required.
  • For grade III ligament injury to the ankle, especially in young athletic individuals, operative repair is preferred by some surgeons.
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Correct! What I’ve learnt and summarised is:
R.I.C.E. method:

  1. Rest – Avoid putting weight on the ankle; use crutches if needed

  2. Ice – Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours to reduce swelling

  3. Compression – Use an elastic bandage or brace to support the ankle

  4. Elevation – Keep the ankle raised above heart level to decrease swelling

  • Pain Relief: Use NSAIDs like ibuprofen if needed
  • Rehab: Begin gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises as pain allows
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Thanks for the information.

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Informative!

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Yes, it’s correct that nowadays functional methods are used for quick yet effective healing - which is the POLICE protocol, the new modification i.e.
P - Protection; to prevent further complications
OL - Optimal Loading of the affected area under the supervision of physiotherapists - it aids the recovery process
I - Icing
C - Compression
E - Elevation

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That’s very informative, thanks for sharing!

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Very true, initial grades of injuries can be maintained with physiotherapy. As a physiotherapist we work most closely with maintaing rest, improving range and increasing the strength of near by structures therby reducing the chances and severity of impact of any injury.