What is the accepted treatment for a sprained ankle?

Rest the ankle (use crutches if needed) Ice the ankle for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for the first 2 days. Compress (wrap) the ankle lightly — not tightly — with an elastic bandage or ankle brace. For the first 48 hours, elevate (raise) the ankle higher than your heart whenever you’re lying down.

What is the best way to treat a high ankle sprain?

What is the usual treatment for a high ankle sprain? The vast majority of high ankle sprains are treated conservatively (non-operatively) with splinting of the ankle to reduce motion of the painful joint. Elevation and icing to the ankle is helpful to reduce swelling.

Is it OK to walk on a high ankle sprain?

Rest. You’ll need to keep weight off your injured ankle and tape or splint the injured area. Sometimes, high ankle sprains can mean you need to use crutches or wear a boot that allows you to walk on your foot while also properly positioning the ankle and foot for healing.

When should you stop icing a sprained ankle?

You should only use ice for up to 20 minutes at a time. If your skin feels numb, it’s time to remove the ice. Use ice treatments every 2 to 4 hours for the first 3 days after your injury. Compression: You can wrap your sprained ankle to avoid swelling and bruising.

Should you bandage a sprained ankle?

Compression helps decrease swelling and provides stability to your ankle by immobilizing it. You should apply a compression bandage as soon as a sprain occurs. Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage, such as an ACE bandage, and leave it on for 48 to 72 hours. Wrap the bandage snugly, but not tightly.

Should you sleep with a ankle brace on?

Should ankle braces be worn while sleeping? No, unless your medical professional recommends you do so.

Do you need a cast for a high ankle sprain?

If there’s too much separation between your tibia and fibula, for example, your doctor may recommend corrective surgery. In that case, you’ll have to wear a cast or a boot for around three months while you recover, then return to physical therapy. Usually, the long-term outcome is good for a high ankle sprain.

What do you put on a sprained ankle to stabilize it?

Devices. Depending on the severity of the sprain, your doctor may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape or an ankle support brace to stabilize the ankle. In the case of a severe sprain, a cast or walking boot may be necessary to immobilize the ankle while the tendon heals.

Can a sprained ankle heal itself without surgery?

Almost all ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately. A three-phase program guides treatment for all ankle sprains—from mild to severe: Phase 1 includes resting, protecting the ankle, and reducing the swelling.

Can you take Tylenol 3 for a Grade 3 ankle sprain?

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. 1. American Academy of Family Physicians. Ankle sprains: healing and preventing injury.

What is the RICE protocol for a sprained ankle?

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.