From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for ankle sprains is functional treatment, including exercise and functional support, such as a brace or tape, which is preferred over immobilization. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which found that functional treatment can help reduce pain and swelling, and promote healing 1. The study also recommends that exercise therapy should be started as soon as possible to recover joint functionality, and that functional support, such as a brace, can be used to enhance the treatment effect 1.
Key Components of Treatment
- Functional support: The use of a brace or tape to provide support and stability to the ankle, which can help reduce pain and swelling, and promote healing 1.
- Exercise therapy: Gentle range-of-motion exercises, such as ankle circles, and gradual progression to strengthening exercises, such as resistance band work, to improve joint functionality and reduce the risk of recurrent sprains 1.
- Pain management: The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen to manage pain and swelling, as needed 1.
- Immobilization: Immobilization should not be used as a treatment modality, as it can lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion 1.
Prevention of Recurrent Sprains
- Functional support: The use of a brace or tape to provide support and stability to the ankle, which can help reduce the risk of recurrent sprains 1.
- Exercise therapy: Regular exercise therapy, including strengthening and proprioception exercises, to improve joint functionality and reduce the risk of recurrent sprains 1.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- If you cannot bear weight on the affected ankle
- If you have severe swelling or pain
- If symptoms do not improve within a week, as this could indicate a more serious injury, such as a fracture or complete ligament tear 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains
- The use of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy for ankle sprains has been studied, but there is insufficient evidence to determine its effectiveness 2.
- Clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of manual therapy, cryotherapy, functional supports, early ambulation, short-term NSAIDs, and rehabilitation for ankle sprain management 3.
- A thorough clinical evaluation is necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment prescription for ankle sprains 4.
- The management of ankle sprains can be enhanced by using a standardized protocol, including accurate diagnosis, early use of RICE, maintenance of range of motion, and use of an ankle support 5.
Rehabilitation and Prevention
- Exercise may reduce the occurrence of recurrent ankle sprains and may be effective in managing chronic ankle instability 6.
- Early motion and mobility are recommended after an ankle sprain, but ligamentous strength does not return until months after the injury 5.
- Strategies for prevention of recurrent sprains and return to play considerations are important for athletes who have suffered an ankle sprain 4.