| The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion | | | | Analgesics such as acetaminophen can be used for |
| injury. The ankle turns in. Inversion sprains are common | | | | pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) |
| complications that may occur after casual strolls, "trips", | | | | probably should be avoided since they can lead to less |
| falls, and sports. | | | | platelet adhesiveness, therefore causing more bleeding |
| Most sprains are minor but the severe ones can result | | | | into the soft tissues. |
| in ligament strain or rupture and cartilage injury to the | | | | Early mobilization is important. |
| bones within the ankle joint. | | | | Getting the patient active- ambulating- is important in |
| The most important risk factor for a new sprain is a | | | | preventing long-term disability. |
| previous sprain so comprehensive attention to a first | | | | When the ankle swelling and bruising has settled an |
| sprain is critical. | | | | active rehabilitation program should be started. A |
| A patient presenting with a sprain will have obvious | | | | physical therapist can initiate specific treatments for |
| swelling, discoloration, and point tenderness located in | | | | pain relief and swelling such as ultrasound and advise |
| the anterolateral (front and slightly to the outside) ankle. | | | | the patient on proprioceptive (balance and proper |
| Physical examination may be difficult because of the | | | | sensation education) and muscle-strengthening |
| pain a patient may be experiencing. X-rays should be | | | | exercises. |
| obtained to exclude fracture. Also, any evidence of | | | | A patient may feel instability in the ankle. Strength and |
| ankle instability should be a tip off that magnetic | | | | balance training will help this improve. Some people |
| resonance imaging should be ordered to check for the | | | | need additional mechanical support with orthotics (foot |
| integrity of ligaments. This last point cannot be | | | | support) and ankle braces. |
| overstressed enough since ligament tears, if not | | | | Athletes who have recurrent ankle sprains should be |
| attended to quickly, can lead to chronic ankle instability. | | | | encouraged to do wobble board training intensively to |
| For the acute injury, the age-old recommendation of | | | | prevent recurrence. Ankle taping prior to practice and |
| RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) is still | | | | matches or games is advised. There are several good |
| recommended. This should be followed until the initial | | | | athletic ankle supports available (eg., Swedo, Kalasi, |
| swelling has subsided (generally 24-48 hours). Rest | | | | Aircast, etc.) |
| should be done with the leg elevated to reduce | | | | Severe sprains are associated with ligament rupture, |
| swelling. Compression can be achieved using an ace | | | | chip fractures, and cartilage injuries should have |
| wrap or other ankle support. Ice should not be applied | | | | magnetic resonance imaging. Surgery may be |
| directly to the skin. | | | | necessary. |