How do you treat a sprained ankle?

The RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, is widely accepted as the standard approach for treating a sprained ankle. This method helps to manage pain and swelling effectively.

Rest is critical because it prevents further injury to the affected area. After a sprain, continuing to put weight on the ankle might exacerbate the injury. Ice is used to reduce swelling and numb pain by constricting blood vessels. Compression involves wrapping the ankle firmly with a bandage, which helps decrease swelling and provides support. Elevation encourages fluid drainage from the ankle by keeping it raised above the level of the heart, further mitigating swelling.

Utilizing this comprehensive approach helps facilitate healing and can reduce the recovery time significantly. The choice to avoid movement, apply cold therapy, use bandaging, and keep the limb elevated is proven to be effective for managing sprained ankles in both acute care settings and general practice.