Ankle Sprain? Try RICE

It can happen in a split second: you hit the bottom stair the wrong way or step on a pebble in your path and your ankle gives way with a wrenching twist. At Texas Foot Specialists, we want patients to understand the necessity for prompt and proper treatment of ankle sprains. Too often, patients will not seek treatment for a sprain and, while it may eventually start to feel better, that doesn’t mean your ankle is healed. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the swelling or pain to diminish after the first 24 hours but to still have a serious sprain. In addition, sometimes a fracture or another injury may have occurred at the same time as the sprain. The only way to know for sure is to make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office so that our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum can examine your ankle and determine the extent of the damage and the severity of the injury.

Until it’s time for your appointment, follow the RICE regimen of treatment at home.

R=Rest—stay off the injured foot. Many patients mistakenly think that if they can walk on it, the injury must not be too bad. Not only is this a myth, but it’s also a good way to increase the damage done to your ankle.

I=Ice—icing your injured ankle can help relieve swelling and decrease pain. Don’t apply the ice directly to the skin. Wrap in a thin washcloth or put in a bag first. Apply for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

C=Compression—wrap the ankle in a compression bandage to help reduce swelling and inflammation. The bandage should fit snugly but not be so tight that you are cutting off your circulation or causing swelling above or below the bandage.

E=Elevation—keep the ankle propped up on a pillow at an ankle that places it above your heart.

Once you have a treatment plan from the podiatrist, be sure to follow it completely to ensure a full rehabilitation of your sprained ankle.