Very mild ankle sprains may only need an ace bandage and high top shoes for support for a week or two. For more moderate sprains, a lace-up ankle brace and sometimes an aircast are necessary. If there is a considerable amount of swelling, bruising and pain, a visit to the doctor is recommended. An evaluation will be done to assess the stability of the joint and X-rays will be taken to rule out a broken bone. The initial treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains is the same:
rotected walking: A lace - up ankle brace or air cast is a good way to protect the ankle when walking. In the early stages of ankle sprains, the ankle may be too swollen for a lace-up brace. For more severe ankle sprains a cast boot may be dispensed at the doctor's office or ER. For more severe ankle sprains, crutches may be necessary to assist with walking in the early stages of healing. But, it is important to keep the foot at 90 to the leg and start protected walking early.
est: Although early protected walking is important, this doesn't mean doing your regular daily activities. Rest on the couch or chair and get up when necessary. Resting is especially important in the first 2-3 days.
ce: Place an ice pack around the ankle for 15-20 minutes. During the first 2-3 days, ice for 15 minutes every hour or two, throughout the day. Icing helps decrease inflammation.
ompression: An ace wrap helps with compression and controls swelling. Swelling is an important part of the healing phase. Swelling helps support the ankle. But, too much swelling increases pain and slows healing. We also have ways to stabilize and support the ankle, and the swelling doesn't have the same purpose as it did in the past. Although an ace wrap helps considerably with compression, it does not protect the foot when walking. An additional brace should be used when walking with moderate to severe ankle sprains. Start wraping near the toes, and continue up to the leg, holding the foot near 90 degrees when wrapping.
levation: Elevate the foot and ankle above the heart. Elevation helps keep the swelling and inflammation down. The natural response of the body is to bring all the blood down to the area of injury during the first 2-3 days following the injury. Gravity will bring more blood than needed to the ankle and keep the blood around the ankle. Elevate the foot and ankle as much as possible during the first 2-3 days.
arly Mobilization: One of the most common complaints following the recovery of ankle sprains is stiffness. After the first 2-3 days of resting, elevating and icing, after the swelling starts to go down, range of motion exercises should be started. Initially start by bringing the toes back and then forward again. Do this slowly, up and down, ten times. Repeat this series threee times. Next, add in circles. Make a circle with the ankle in one direction, then the other direction. Make ten circles in each direction, repeat 3 times. Once you are comfortable with these exercises, try to write the alphabet with your foot. Outlining the letter "A", then "B" and so on. There may be some discomfort when performing these exercises, but there should be no sharp pain.
Mild ankle sprains may only take a week or two for full recovery, but most ankle sprains will take about 6 weeks. Full recovery can take 3 months. More severe ankle sprains take 3 months and may not feel 90-100% for almost a year. If you experience a severe ankle sprain, visit a podiatrist. If you have not healed from an ankle sprain after 6 weeks, make sure you see your doctor. |
