What is the protocol for a sprained ankle?

Rest: Rest for first 24 hours after injury. Weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) with assistive device, such as crutches, may help with pain management. Ice/ Cold packs: 10-15 minutes- 3 times per day, or more frequently for pain and swelling management. Compression: Use an elastic bandage to limit swelling.

How do you treat a traumatic ankle injury?

Treatment

1. Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
2. Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake.
3. Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
4. Elevation.

What percentage of emergency room visits do ankle sprains account for?

In the United States, more than 628,000 ankle injuries are treated in emergency facilities per year, accounting for 20% of all injury-related emergency department visits. Ankle sprains represent a common injury in emergency departments.

What are the 4 recommended steps for treating a sprain?

approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.

How long should you stay off a sprained ankle?

Grade 1 sprained ankle recovery time is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, normally closer to the two-week mark with proper treatment. A grade 1 sprained ankle can be treated almost entirely at home. The pain is fairly minor, if difficult to deal with.

How many days should I ice a sprained ankle?

Use ice treatments every 2 to 4 hours for the first 3 days after your injury. Compression: Wrap your sprained ankle to avoid swelling and bruising. You might need to do this for several days or a week after your injury.

Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?

Yes. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

How is a sprain different from a strain?

The difference between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.

What is inversion ankle sprain?

An inversion ankle sprain is the most common type of ankle sprain and occurs when the foot is turned inward beyond ligamentous and muscular control. This often occurs in activities involving lateral movements, jumping, and running. Uneven ground or foot abnormalities may also increase the likelihood of this injury.

How many days should you ice an injury?

Ice is a tried-and-true tool for reducing pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack (covered with a light, absorbent towel to help prevent frostbite) for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours during the first 24 to 48 hours after your injury.