PART TWO HOW THEY DIAGNOSE AN ANKLE SPRAIN OR ANKLE FRACTURE THE MOST COMMON SPRAIN IN SPORTS AND HOW THEY TREAT IT

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Timely proper care for a sprained ankle helps prevent a chronic injury. Physical therapy for an ankle injury is sometimes useful. Surgery is infrequently needed especially with timely treatment. The initial treatment for sprains is usually RICE. No, don't put rice on the ankle!
RICE is a mnemonic for:

Rest

Ice (but for defined periods, too much ice can be a problem)

Compression (such as an ace wrap)

Elevation

X rays to look for a fracture and even MRI exams may be ordered. Medicine to reduce pain and inflammation such as ibuprofen is often part of the treatment.

Read About Diagnosis and tests for an ankle injury or sprain




Ankle sprains recover through 3 phases:

Phase 1 includes resting, protecting the ankle and reducing the swelling (one week).

Phase 2 includes restoring range of motion, strength and flexibility (one week to two weeks).

Phase 3 includes gradually returning to activities that do not require turning or twisting the ankle and doing maintenance exercises.

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