RICE

The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method is designed to relieve pain and swelling. If you’ve sprained your ankle, stop what you’re doing and find a place to rest. Resting prevents you from putting additional stress on your ankle. Apply an ice pack to your ankle; ice reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Compression will involve you wrapping your ankle in a bandage. Don’t make it too tight because you don’t want to limit circulation; the goal is to apply pressure, which will reduce swelling and stabilize your ankle. Last but not least is elevation which involves elevating your injured ankle above your heart so blood flow can be improved and swelling can be reduced.

Pain Medication (Over the Counter or Prescription)

Consider taking an over the counter pain medication, such as aleve or ibuprofen, to help alleviate your pain and reduce swelling. If you prefer to take prescription medications or have allergies to NSAIDs, consult with our doctors.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help you recover from your ankle sprain by improving strength and mobility once the inflammation has settled. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to develop a personalized program to ensure you’re not at risk of exacerbating the injury.

Many patients who enroll in a physical therapy program are given a list of stretches and exercises they can perform while at the session as well as in the comfort of their own homes. All of these stretches and exercises will improve the range of motion in your ankle, decrease your ankle pain, and improve your overall balance/coordination.

Surgery

Most people who sprain their ankles do not need surgery. If they do, it’s because the ligaments in the ankle have been torn or stretched to the point where the ankle joint is unstable, or there was an associated injury that requires repair.