How to treat a sprained ankle

Ankle sprain is one of the common sports injuries, primarily caused by excessive twisting force applied to the ankle, resulting in damage to the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Depending on the severity of the injury, ankle sprains can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Proper management of an ankle sprain is crucial for recovery; below are some professional recommendations:

1. Immediate immobilization: After a sprain, physical activity should be stopped immediately to prevent further injury.

2. Cold compress: During the first 24 hours after the injury, apply an ice pack or a cold, wet towel to the affected area for approximately 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling and pain.

3. Compression bandage: Use a bandage or elastic wrap to apply pressure to the injured area to reduce swelling. Ensure the bandage is snug but not too tight to avoid impairing blood circulation.

4. Elevate the affected limb: Raise the injured ankle above heart level to help reduce blood pooling and alleviate swelling.

5. Seek medical evaluation: If the sprain is severe, such as when experiencing severe pain, significant swelling, limited mobility, or deformity, seek medical attention promptly for X-ray, CT, or MRI examinations to rule out serious conditions such as fractures or ligament rupture.

6. Medication: Appropriate dosage of ibuprofen capsules may be taken to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, be aware of the potential side effects of the medication, particularly gastrointestinal reactions.

7. Appropriate functional exercises: After the acute phase, perform suitable rehabilitation exercises including range-of-motion exercises for the ankle joint, muscle-strengthening exercises, and balance training to accelerate recovery and prevent re-injury.