In this video we address what the first things/steps you should be taking after each type of ankle sprain. Check out our last post where we talk about the different types of ankle sprains to help you understand and distinguish between which type you may have experienced. Now based on your understanding of how severe your injury is, this video will help you know how to properly care for it.
Do I ice? Should I take medicine? Do I need to wear a boot or brace? We will answer all these common questions we get and more for you today!
For a mild (grade 1) ankle sprain the best thing you can do is support it with an ace bandage or compression sock first. You want to start putting pressure and loading the ankle as soon as you can depending on the level of pain you may be experiencing. The only reason you would need to wear a boot in this case is if you are limping. You will only need to wear it for a few days and incorporate the mobility and loading exercises we demonstrate in the video below.
A moderate (grade 2) ankle sprain is going to be a little more severe than a mild ankle sprain because there is more tearing and damage involved in the injury. This case will almost always require a boot from anywhere between two to four weeks. You will also be incorporating loading exercises when your pain can manage it outside of the boot. To manage swelling: elevate the area and incorporate ankle exercises.
The most severe case of an ankle sprain (grade 3) is going to involve a rupture of tendons in the ankle; causing it to be the most painful. This case you will definitely need to wear a boot and in the first 48 hours you only want to rest and elevate the area.
When it comes to ice or medications (anti-inflammatory) our recommendation depends on your case. If you are in extreme amounts of pain and you are in a situation where you have to be on your feet all day (you are on vacation, or some big event that requires you to walk and apply a lot of pressure to the area for example) then it’s ok to ice or take medicine. If your pain is manageable and you don’t need to walk around on it then we say let your body do its job towards recovery!
