what is the proper treatment for a 1st degree ankle sprain

Medication

• Taking an over-the-counter pain killer. ...
• Resting and icing the foot. ...
• Improving your form when exercising (more on this below) and wearing more supportive shoes with inserts.
• Changing your sneakers/shoes when exercising is usually the first step, which might include wearing orthotic inserts for support. ...

More items...

Procedures

Use the PRICE method.

• Protection. To prevent further injury, the sprained ankle must be immobilized immediately. ...
• Rest. Whether your sprained ankle is mild or severe, keep it at rest for the time being. ...
• Ice. The next course of action is ice. ...
• Compression. Compression involves applying pressure to the sprained ankle and its surrounding areas to reduce swelling.
• Elevation. ...

Therapy

There is no specific time frame that sprained ankle recover. While we do know that the ligaments themselves will take at least six weeks to heal, your muscle strength, the range of motion, proprioception, and return to function can vary considerably. Here are some general guidelines.

Self-care

What’s the best way to treat an ankle sprain?

1. RICE The first step after an injury is to: rest reduce the swelling prevent further injury The American Academy of Orthopaeidic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends: R: rest the ankle ...
2. Recovery In the first 2 weeks following an injury, Sandow says that there can be a quick decrease of pain and an improvement in your ankle’s movement and ...
3. Rehabilitation

Nutrition

What is the best way to treat an ankle sprain?

How to make a sprained ankle heal faster?

How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?

What is the normal recovery time for a sprained ankle?

How is a first degree ankle sprain treated?

TreatmentRICE.REST: Avoid weight-bearing on the ankle. ... ICE: Ice can be applied as an ice pack, an ice bath, or an ice massage. ... COMPRESSION: A tense wrap of the ankle will help lessen the swelling and bruising. ... ELEVATION: Raising the ankle above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and bruising. ... OUT AND UP.More items...

How long does it take for a grade 1 sprained ankle to heal?

Grade 1 sprains are light sprains that usually allow return to sport in 2-3 weeks. Grade 2 ankle sprains involve greater injury to the ligament and can take up 4-6 weeks to allow full return to sport. Grade 3 injuries are more severe in nature and often involve full tearing of the ligament and possible bone fracture.

Can you walk on a grade 1 sprained ankle?

A grade 1 sprain causes little damage to the ligaments, and although the ankle will be tender for a few days, you can walk on it after a short period of rest.

Should you wrap a sprained ankle overnight?

Most experts recommend that you only wrap your ankle during the day for support and protection, while you continue to ice, elevate and rest the injury. While some people feel a sense of comfort from a compression wrap at night—unless it provides pain relief, you shouldn't have your ankle wrapped while you sleep.

How do you know if you have a Grade 1 ankle sprain?

Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising.

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 long should you keep a sprained ankle wrapped?

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. Your doctor can show you the best way to do this.

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 should you sleep with a sprained ankle?

Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.

Should I elevate sprained ankle while sleeping?

Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep. Also apply some ice before going to bed to reduce inflammation.

Should you sleep with an ankle brace on?

Unless and until your healthcare provider recommends that explicitly, do not wear ankle braces while going to sleep. How tight should the ankle brace be? The ankle brace should be a snug fit for you. It shouldn't be so tight as to make you uncomfortable or so loose that it loses its purpose.

Should I sleep with a compression bandage on?

The bandage should provide a snug compression, but not restrict blood flow. Please remove compression bandages at night while sleeping. for best results. As swelling reduces it may be necessary to adjust compression bandage.

What happens if your ankle is not healed?

If it is not properly healed, strengthened and mobilized, then you will be at a significantly increased risk for a future ankle injury, and next time it will probably be a grade 2 or 3, which is much more serious. So, let’s cover the main symptoms you can expect with a grade 1 ankle sprain: Over-stretching of ankle ligaments, but no tearing.

How long does it take to recover from HEM?

The HEM Ankle Rehab program gets people walking normally again, pain free in 5-10 days and significantly lowers the risk of re-injury. That means you will not need ankle braces, tape or wraps. You will be walking, running and jumping pain free and with full power without the fear of spraining your ankles again.

What is a grade 1 ankle sprain?

A grade 1 ankle sprain is the least severe of the three grades of injury. Grade 1 usually means NO tearing of the ligaments in the ankle. Instead, you should have some over-stretching of the ligaments. There is usually some mild pain, swelling and tenderness, but minimal to no bruising. Even with a mild sprained ankle, like a grade 1 ankle sprain, ...

How to tell if you have a sprained ankle?

So, let’s cover the main symptoms you can expect with a grade 1 ankle sprain: 1 Over-stretching of ankle ligaments, but no tearing 2 Ankle is mildly unstable 3 Minimal amount of pain and swelling, but very little bruising 4 In the first few days, walking should be possible with minimal pain, but running and/or jumping is probably painful 5 You should be able to move the ankle in most directions, but you can expect some pain, especially at certain angles

Why don't you want to move your ankle?

You don’t want any dynamic movement changes in the ankle, because of an injury that never healed properly. It will change how you walk, run and move in general. And that not only will weaken your ability to move with power, it can also affect all the joints above the ankle (especially the knees and hips).

Is it better to sprain your ankle or become more mobile?

It will not become more mobile. It will not become more stable. In other words, it will stay somewhat weak and unstable for a very long time and the next time you’re walking, running, jumping or playing sports, it will be much easier to sprain that ankle again.

Can a grade 1 ankle sprain heal itself?

It is important to remember that even though a grade 1 ankle sprain is a mild injury, it cannot heal itself. In other words, the standard treatment of rest and ice will not heal the damage in your ankle.

How to heal a sprained ankle?

To help your sprained ankle heal, you’ll need to ease the pain and bring down the swelling. Make an appointment right away for any ankle sprain, mild or severe. Your doctor will examine you and let you know if something more serious is wrong with your ankle.

What to do if your ankle is swollen and painful?

If your ankle is painful and swollen, remove ankle bracelets or toe rings right away. Then try the “RICE” method to ease your symptoms. RICE stands for “rest, ice, compress, and elevate.” Here’s how it works:

How to tell if you have a dislocated ankle?

Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: Severe pain, bruising, or severe swelling. Bleeding, numbness, or change in color of the affected area. Your ankle looks deformed or seems dislocated. You can't put any weight on it.

Overview

A sprained ankle is a common injury when the tissue that connects your ankle bones and supports your ankle (ligaments) is torn or stretched beyond its limits, often after a fall, ankle roll or twist.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider will diagnose your sprained ankle after a physical examination of your foot and ankle to identify your range of motion and determine which ligaments are affected. The physical exam is typically followed by an imaging test, like an X-ray.

Management and Treatment

For the majority of ankle sprains, healthcare providers recommend using the PRICE method for the first 24-48 hours after injury. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Living With

After treating your sprain with the PRICE method, you'll need to build back flexibility and strength in your ankle. Perform exercises recommended by your healthcare provider or physical therapist to improve your range of motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The difference between a high ankle sprain and an ankle sprain depends on the location and ligaments that were injured. Ankle sprains are grouped into two location-based categories:

What happens if you sprain your ankle?

During a 2nd-degree ankle sprain, increased stretching and possible tearing occur on the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Increased pain will also occur as well as swelling around the entire ankle. To properly treat a 2nd-degree ankle sprain while outdoors, ...

What is the most common ankle injury?

A first-degree ankle sprain is a minor ankle sprain and is considered the most common of all ankle injuries. Even if just a small twist of the ankle occurs, it is still important to properly address the injury. A first-degree ankle sprain also consists of mild tenderness and pain along the joint and ligaments surrounding the ankle.

What is compressing ankle?

Compress includes wrapping a sprained ankle or even a makeshift sling for an injured arm. The last step in the R.I.C.E formula is to elevate which especially applies to ankle sprains. Elevating an injury is very important as elevating greatly reduces further injury.

What is the most severe ankle sprain?

Third Degree Ankle Sprains. A 3rd-degree ankle sprain is the most severe of all ankle sprains. It usually consists of major tearing and stretching along the ankle joint ligaments. You need to seek immediate medical help if a 3rd-degree an kle sprain occurs. However, if a medical facility is not within immediate reach, a few steps must be followed.

How to treat a swollen ankle?

Immediately wrap and elevate the injured ankle. This will ensure no additional edema flows into the injured area and help reduce additional swelling. Elevating the injured ankle will ensure no additional weight is applied to the ankle. If possible, apply ice to the injured area or cold water.

How to treat a 3rd degree ankle sprain?

If possible, apply ice to the inju red area or cold water. Reducing the temperature around the ankle will also help to reduce additional swelling and may provide temporary comfort from pain. While treating a 3rd-degree ankle sprain, be sure to also seek medical attention if hiking, camping, or while out in the woods.

What to do with a sprained ankle?

With your basic know-how on sprained ankle treatment, you are now better prepared to handle injuries you or a party may incur at home and outdoors. Your knowledge could also help you avoid the mishap, after all, being more conscious of the possibilities of an injury.

How to treat a sprained ankle?

The early treatment of an ankle sprain is the "RICE" method of treatment. 3  This is focused on reducing ankle swelling and alleviating pain: 1 Rest: The first 24-48 hours after the injury is considered a critical treatment period and activities need to be limited. Gradually put as much weight on the involved ankle as tolerated and discontinue crutch use when you can walk without a limp. 2 Ice: Ice application is effective to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. While ice packs can be helpful, there are special ice wraps that are made to mold to the joint. 3 Compression: Use compression in the early phase of ankle sprain treatment. Using an Ace bandage, wrap the ankle from the toes all the way up to the top of the calf muscle, overlapping the elastic wrap by one-half of the width of the wrap. The wrap should be snug, but not cutting off circulation to the foot. 4 Elevation: Keep your sprained ankle higher than your heart as often as possible. This can also help to dramatically reduce swelling. Keep in mind, propping your ankle on a chair while you are sitting up does not elevate above your heart.

How to prevent ankle sprain?

Strengthening Exercises. Once motion has been achieved and swelling and pain are reduced, you should start strengthening the ankle. 3  Following an injury such as a sprain, the ankle will be weak and susceptible to reinjury. Ankle-strengthening exercises can help prevent reinjury and return you to normal activities.

What to use for ankle sprain?

While ice packs can be helpful, there are special ice wraps that are made to mold to the joint. Compression: Use compression in the early phase of ankle sprain treatment.

How to recover from ankle injury?

The first step toward recovery is to regain normal ankle mobility. 3  Mobility can be limited by pain and swelling; therefore, in order to effectively treat restricted motion, try to address pain and swelling. After ankle injuries, range-of-motion activity should start as soon as possible. 4  Rarely do injuries require immobilization (as in a cast or boot), since most injuries can be treated with early motion exercises. Check with your doctor to determine when it's okay to start motion activities.

How to move your foot through all the basic ankle motions?

The most frequently recommended active-motion activity is to "write" the alphabet in space with your big toe. Start with printing the alphabet, then try cursive. This simple activity will move your foot through all the basic ankle motions.

What is the final step in recovery from ankle injury?

3  This may include drills aimed at cutting, pivoting, or jumping, such as those that mimic movements of your chosen sport. It is important to perform these activities in a simulated environment before returning to your normal sports activities.

What is the word used to describe your body's ability to sense the position of a joint?

Proprioception is the word used to describe your body's ability to sense the position of a joint. 5  For example, when you close your eyes, you can feel the position of your body without necessarily looking to see the position of your body. Proprioception also helps control the position of your body.

Anatomy of an ankle sprain

The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion injury, or lateral ankle sprain. The foot rolls inward, damaging the ligaments of the outer ankle — the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament. (Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone; see illustration.)

When to see your doctor

Unless your symptoms are mild or improving soon after the injury, contact your clinician. He or she may want to see you immediately if your pain and swelling are severe, or if the ankle feels numb or won't bear weight.

How to strengthen your ankle after a sprain

To recover from an ankle sprain fully, you'll need to restore the normal range of motion to your ankle joint and strengthen its ligaments and supporting muscles.

What is grade 3 ankle sprain?

A Grade 3 (severe) sprain puts you at risk for permanent ankle looseness (instability). On rare occasions, surgery may be needed to repair the damage, especially in competitive athletes. For severe ankle sprains, your doctor may also consider treating you with a short leg cast for 2-3 weeks or a walking boot.

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is an injury or tear of one or more ligaments on the outer side of your ankle ​. If a sprain is not treated properly, you could h​ave long-term problems. A sprain can be difficult to differentiate from a broken bone without an X-ray.

How to keep ankle ligaments from swelling?

An ankle brace often helps control swelling and adds stability while the ligaments are healing. Ice it to keep down the swelling. Don't put ice directly on the skin (use a thin piece of cloth such as a pillowcase between the ice bag and the skin) and don't ice more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid frostbite.

How to treat a grade 1 sprain?

For a Grade 1 (mild) sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. guidelines: Rest your ankle by not walking on it. Limit weight bearing and use crutches if necessary. If there is no broken bone you are safe to put some weight on the leg. An ankle brace often helps control swelling and adds stability while the ligaments are healing.

What happens if you don't heal your ankle?

If you don't complete rehabilitation, you could suffer chronic pain, looseness, and arthritis in your ankle. If your ankle still hurts, it could mean that the sprained ligament has not healed right, or that some other injury occurred.

Can a sprained ankle hurt too much?

But the sprain could be more severe; your ankle might swell and it might hurt too much to stand on it. If it's a severe sprain, you might have felt a "pop" when the injury happened. A sprained ankle is an injury or tear of one ...

Do ankle sprains require surgery?

Most an kle sprains do not require surgery, and minor sprains are best treated with a rehabilitation program similar to your sporting activities. Depending on how many ligaments are injured, your sprain will be classified as Grade 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe).

How to treat a sprained ankle?

Surgery. In severe and/or chronic sprains and strains that do not respond to first-line treatment or rehabilitation, one or more types of surgery may be required: 1 Surgery may be arthroscopic, in which the surgeon looks inside the ankle joint with a special camera to determine if any loose bone fragments may be interfering with the healing process. Arthroscopy can also be used to determine if a portion of the injured ligament, muscle, or tendon has become caught within the joint capsule. 2 Surgery may be reconstructive, in which the surgeon repairs torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons with stitches or other types of sutures. The surgeon may also transplant tissue from other parts of the patient's foot and ankle to aid in the reconstruction. 3 Orthopedic surgeons generally perform ankle surgery. Orthopedic surgeons may also be fellowship trained in the exclusive practice of foot and ankle surgery.

How long does it take to recover from ankle surgery?

Patients who require surgery to treat their ankle sprains and strains will require additional recovery time and physical therapy, which can range from weeks to months.

What is the RICE protocol for ankle sprains?

Grade 1 and 2 ankle sprains and strains. For Grade 1 and Grade 2 sprains, most doctors recommend the RICE protocol, which stands for R est, I ce, C ompression, and E levation: Rest. Patients are advised to not walk or stand on the sprained or strained ankle until healing is complete. The rest period can range from a day or two for Grade 1 sprains ...

What is the treatment for a grade 3 sprain?

Grade 3 sprains and strains are usually unstable and require longer healing. The following treatment protocol may be used: Casting. In addition to rest and elevation, the first phase of healing usually involves casting or bracing of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. A traditional plaster cast may be used, or a commercial air cast.

What is the best exercise for a grade 3 sprain?

Isometric strengthening exercises that promote proprioception (body/joint position awareness) are especially important in Grade 3 sprains and strains to help reduce the chance of re-injury. Therapeutic exercises may be land-based or water-based, with water-based exercises usually reserved for those with severe injury.

Can you take Tylenol 3 for ankle sprains?

Surgery to treat ankle sprains and strains is quite rare. Patients with extremely painful Grade 3 sprains or those recovering from surgery may also receive prescription pain medication, such as Tylenol-3 or other opioid narcotic pain medications, to address acute, severe pain.

Does Tylenol help with ankle pain?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also provide pain relief. 1. The combination of rest, compression, and pain relief can help support the body's natural healing process, and prevent further aggravation of the ankle injury. advertisement.

What happens if you sprain your ankle?

During a 2nd-degree ankle sprain, increased stretching and possible tearing occur on the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Increased pain will also occur as well as swelling around the entire ankle. To properly treat a 2nd-degree ankle sprain while outdoors, ...

What is the most common ankle injury?

A first-degree ankle sprain is a minor ankle sprain and is considered the most common of all ankle injuries. Even if just a small twist of the ankle occurs, it is still important to properly address the injury. A first-degree ankle sprain also consists of mild tenderness and pain along the joint and ligaments surrounding the ankle.

What is compressing ankle?

Compress includes wrapping a sprained ankle or even a makeshift sling for an injured arm. The last step in the R.I.C.E formula is to elevate which especially applies to ankle sprains. Elevating an injury is very important as elevating greatly reduces further injury.

What is the most severe ankle sprain?

Third Degree Ankle Sprains. A 3rd-degree ankle sprain is the most severe of all ankle sprains. It usually consists of major tearing and stretching along the ankle joint ligaments. You need to seek immediate medical help if a 3rd-degree an kle sprain occurs. However, if a medical facility is not within immediate reach, a few steps must be followed.

How to treat a swollen ankle?

Immediately wrap and elevate the injured ankle. This will ensure no additional edema flows into the injured area and help reduce additional swelling. Elevating the injured ankle will ensure no additional weight is applied to the ankle. If possible, apply ice to the injured area or cold water.

How to treat a 3rd degree ankle sprain?

If possible, apply ice to the inju red area or cold water. Reducing the temperature around the ankle will also help to reduce additional swelling and may provide temporary comfort from pain. While treating a 3rd-degree ankle sprain, be sure to also seek medical attention if hiking, camping, or while out in the woods.

What to do with a sprained ankle?

With your basic know-how on sprained ankle treatment, you are now better prepared to handle injuries you or a party may incur at home and outdoors. Your knowledge could also help you avoid the mishap, after all, being more conscious of the possibilities of an injury.