From the Guidelines
For an ankle sprain, functional treatment in the form of exercise and functional support, such as a brace, is preferred over immobilisation with a splint. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, immobilisation may only be beneficial for a short period to diminish complaints of pain and swelling in case of a lateral ligament injury.
Key Considerations
- After an acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS), it is essential to first exclude the presence of any fractures using the OAR, which has a high sensitivity and specificity 1.
- A short time of immobilisation may help reduce pain and swelling, but functional treatment is preferred for long-term recovery 1.
- Mobilisation therapy may be helpful in case of ROM restriction, but it is advised to combine it with exercise therapy 1.
- Surgery should be reserved for patients with lateral ligament ruptures to avoid unnecessary invasive treatment and risk of complications 1.
Treatment Approach
- Rest the injured ankle for a short period, but prioritize functional treatment and exercise to restore flexibility and strength.
- Apply ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- Elevate your ankle above heart level whenever possible.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for pain relief.
- Once approved by a healthcare provider, begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility and strength.
- Gradually return to normal activities as pain and swelling decrease.
Important Notes
- There is no clear evidence on the role of other forms of therapy, such as shoe wear, vibration, and electrostimulation therapy, in the treatment and prevention of ankle sprains 1.
- Functional support devices, such as tape or brace, have not reported any significant complications, apart from some known adverse effects like rashes 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Ankle Sprain with a Splint (Orthopedic Immobilizer)
- The treatment for an ankle sprain with a splint (orthopedic immobilizer) typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy, as well as the use of an ankle support or brace 2, 3.
- A study published in the Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica found that treatment with a semi-rigid ankle brace resulted in better mobility and shorter sick leave compared to treatment with a compression bandage 4.
- Another study published in the Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy found that a combination of manual therapy and supervised exercise led to better recovery from ankle sprains 5.
- The use of compression in the management of soft tissue ankle injuries, including ankle sprains, has been evaluated in a systematic review, which found that compression may be an effective tool in reducing swelling and improving quality of life, but the most effective form of compression is yet to be determined 6.
Ankle Support and Bracing
- Ankle supports and braces, such as semi-rigid ankle braces, can be used to provide stability and support to the ankle during the recovery period 4, 3.
- The use of an ankle support or brace can help to reduce pain and swelling, and improve mobility and function 4, 3.