Are you in need of sprained ankle treatment? If so, you’re not alone. An ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, with 25,000 people across the nation experiencing sprains daily. Sprained ankle treatment can be necessary when one or more of the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, which can result in pain, swelling and difficulty applying pressure on the ankle. If you are searching for relief, there are a variety of sprained ankle treatments outlined in the following article that you can do in the comfort of your home.
Steps for sprained ankle treatment
If you sprained your ankle, there is a simple formula to follow for treatment—RICE. This mnemonic stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation and is essential in the first few days after you experience any ankle discomfort, inflammation or trouble walking. By following the self-care steps below, you can be on your road to recovery:
- Rest — As soon as the ankle injury occurs, stop what you’re doing and find a place to rest to avoid worsening the sprain. Make sure to place as little pressure on the ankle as possible.
- Ice — Wrap a bag of ice in a towel and apply it to your ankle to minimize the pain and swelling. Icing your ankle should be done in 20-minute increments and repeated every two to three hours.
- Compression — Reduce swelling by wrapping an elastic bandage around the ankle. Be sure to loosen the bandage if you experience any pain, numbness, tingling or inflammation, as the compress may be cutting off your circulation.
- Elevation — While resting and icing your ankle, be sure to elevate your ankle to the level of your heart. This sprained ankle treatment is vital to reduce swelling by draining excess fluid.
If your sprained ankle is causing severe pain and swelling, the injured area may need to be assessed by a physical therapist to determine if the ligaments or tendons are still intact. Based on the extent of the injury, a sprained ankle treatment plan will then be formulated to relieve the pain, swelling and get you back to your normal range of motion.
Visit Panther Physical Therapy for sprained ankle treatment
Are you missing out on the activities you love because of a sprain? At Panther Physical Therapy, we can help evaluate your sprained ankle and determine the next steps to relieve your pain and swelling.
Our physical therapists will work with you to help get back your strength and range of motion so that you can return to your daily routine. Contact us today to learn more about our sprained ankle treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.