A twisted or sprained ankle involves the stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments. A mild sprain might result in only minor swelling and bruising, while a severe sprain might result in significant swelling, bruising, pain and disability. According to the American Family Physician, a doctor usually orders an X-ray of the ankle to rule out fractures before recommending treatment options.
RICE
Initial treatment for any twisted or sprained ankle should consist of rest, ice, compression and elevation, or RICE. After twisting an ankle, the patient should refrain from unnecessary weight-bearing activities until cleared to return by a medical professional. The patient should ice the ankle fives times a day, for 20 minutes each time. Compression to the ankle, in the form of an ace bandage, will lessen the degree of swelling that results from a sprain. The patient should elevate the ankle to a level above the heart, which will also limit the degree of swelling that occurs.
Cryotherapy
After the initial treatment of a twisted ankle, begin moving the ankle as soon as the pain is tolerable. Cryotherapy combines ice with gentle range of motion exercises and can be performed twice daily. The patient submerses his ankle in a bath of ice and water for three minutes, takes his foot out of the bath and for one minute moves his ankle in an up and down pumping motion. The ankle is then returned to the ice bath for three more minutes, followed by another minute of exercises. The entire sequence is repeated five times.
Physical Therapy
If the ankle sprain is severe or does not respond to initial treatment, the physician might recommend physical therapy two to three times per week for three weeks. Physical therapists will use anti-inflammatory modalities, such as ultrasound, electric stimulation and massage, to decrease ankle swelling and promote tissue healing. The patient will perform specific exercises aimed at increasing strength, range of motion and proprioception. Proprioception is the ability to know where the foot and ankle are in space. According to The American Academy of Othopaedic Surgeons, loss of proprioception is often a factor in repeat ankle sprains.
