The Best Treatment for an Ankle Sprain? Why RICE Isn’t Always Enough

The Best Treatment for an Ankle Sprain? Why RICE Isn’t Always Enough

More than 7.3 million ankle injuries occur every year in the United States, and most are caused by minor accidents such as falls, twists, or simple missteps. If you’ve twisted your ankle, you know how bad it can hurt and how long that type of injury can take to heal. And you’ve probably wondered whether it warrants a trip to the doctor. 

While it’s never a bad idea to have a physician confirm that your injury is, in fact, minor, there are some steps you can take at home for immediate relief. The traditional RICE treatment – rest, ice, compression, elevation – is definitely an effective first step:

Rest: Stay off your feet and avoid any activity that causes pain. You may need to use crutches, a splint, or simply avoid putting weight on that ankle.  

Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold pack to your ankle for 10-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth to protect the skin. 

Compression: Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling. Be sure to loosen the bandage if you start to experience numbness, tingling, or increased pain. 

Elevation: Sit with your ankle above your heart to help reduce swelling. Add a pillow or two under the affected foot to add height if needed.

Sometimes RICE isn’t enough

The RICE method will help you manage your symptoms in the early stages of injury. However, this tried-and-true home remedy may not be sufficient for a full recovery, especially for a moderate-to-severe ankle sprain. 

If you’re not seeing results with the RICE method within a few days, it’s important for you to consult with a physician like our team of ankle experts at DOC Orthopaedics. Ongoing symptoms could indicate a more serious sprain or even a different type of injury entirely. Your healthcare provider may recommend x-rays to confirm your injury type, then move forward with additional treatment options such as:

• Pain and swelling that don’t improve or are worsening after applying ice, elevation, and rest (RICE) 
• Pain and swelling persist for several weeks despite self-care 
• Signs of infection like increased warmth, redness, or a fever  
• Numbness or tingling in your foot or toes, which could indicate nerve damage and requires prompt medical evaluation

If you notice these ongoing symptoms, this is not the time to “walk it off.” It’s time to consider seeing a physician. 

Your doctor may implement a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Ongoing symptoms may indicate a more severe injury than you may have anticipated, and what you do next can have a long-term impact on your mobility. By visiting a physician, you can confirm a sprain, rather than a possible break or tendon injury. In addition, your healthcare provider can begin a regimen to prioritize recovery for long-term joint health.  

Using a customized combination of physical therapy, progressive rehabilitation, and strengthening exercises, your physician can help you to restore mobility, strength, and stability. In addition, they may also make a recommendation regarding more complex orthopedic care if needed.

Consider the specialists at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Since 1972, the specialists at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine have been committed to providing exceptional orthopaedic care through innovative techniques, quality services, patient communication, and education. With specialties ranging from general orthopaedics and physical therapy to sports medicine, joint replacement and more, the doctors at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine can provide local expert care for any orthopaedic disorder or injury and help put your life back in motion. Click here to schedule an appointment today.