Ankle sprains are a common injury accompanied by common symptoms like swelling and bruising. It’s important that you treat them as soon as they occur, get plenty of rest, and see an ankle specialist or foot care doctor if they impede mobility. The team at Foot & Ankle Specialists, with locations in Blue Ash, Cincinnati, and Franklin, OH, understands the importance of correct treatment for ankle sprains and is ready to provide prompt treatment. Below, learn more about these injuries and some tips on treating them using the R.I.C.E. approach.

What You Should Know About Ankle Sprains

What’s a Sprain?

The term “sprain” specifically refers to an injury involving the ligaments, which are a band of sturdy tissue that connects the bones around a given joint. Ligaments serve to keep the joint stabilized, but when they’re stretched too far, they can tear and swell. 

Most Common Causes of Ankle Sprains

The movement that most often causes a sprain is a twist or turn of the ankle that occurs suddenly at an angle the ankle isn’t meant to go. This can happen in a myriad of ways, from stepping on an uneven surface to planting the foot in an awkward position when running.

Proven Ankle Sprain Treatment: The R.I.C.E. Approach

Ankle specialists agree that the best way to treat an ankle sprain as soon as it occurs is by using the R.I.C.E. method, which is an acronym for the following treatment steps.

Rest

For the injured ligament to heal, you need to stay off it as much as possible. Avoid unnecessary movement and don’t put weight on the injured joint for at least 48 hours following the injury or as instructed by a doctor.

Ice

Ice will help with both pain and swelling, especially in the first several days following an injury. Generally, it’s recommended that you apply ice in 20-minute durations on an hourly basis.

Compression

An efficient way to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process is to wrap the ankle in an elastic bandage. If the sprain is bad enough, your doctor may recommend an air cast or boot for this purpose.

Elevation

Use pillows to prop your ankle above the level of your heart (ideally six to 10 inches). This helps to drain the blood away from the area, which in turn reduces pain and swelling.

Whether you’re recovering from an ankle sprain or another foot issue, the team at Foot & Ankle Specialists has you covered, offering state-of-the-art, comprehensive, and compassionate care for a wide range of foot and ankle disorders. Visit them online or give them a call at (513) 769-4408 and say goodbye to foot and ankle pain.