• How to manage a sprained ankle without surgery?

My 17 year old son sprained his ankle playing outside. How to manage a sprained ankle without surgery?

8 Answers

  • Physical Therapist | Orthopedic
  • Irving, Texas

First aid for ankle sprain is:

R - REST the affected area.
I - IMMOBILIZE the area and limit the use of the ankle.
C - COMPRESSION (apply cold compress/packs to the painful area).
E - ELEVATE the lower leg to minimize swelling.

This is performed 3-5 times daily for 1- 2 weeks. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.

  • Orthopedist
  • Virginia Beach, VA

Brace and rehab. Crutches for a short while

  • Sports Medicine Specialist
  • Augusta, GA

Most ankle sprains do not require surgery. If I were seeing this patient I would start him on anti-inflammatories and I would send him to physical therapy. Sometimes bracing can help as well.

  • Sports Medicine Specialist
  • Knoxville, TN

Ankle sprains do really well without surgery, regardless of severity. Make sure no fractures (x-rays). Ice, ankle exercises, and often people like to use 'lace-up ankle braces.'

  • Sports Medicine Specialist
  • Raleigh, NC

Rest, ice 20 minutes every 2-3 hours, elevate on 2-3 pillows to keep above chest level, mild compression with ace wrap, alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen as guided by weight/instructions on bottle, as needed for pain/swelling - provided you have no allergies to them.

  • Surgeon (Pediatric) | Pediatric Surgery
  • Chicago, IL

Treat symptomatically. 1st ICE to reduce the swelling. Ultimately with heat. Wrap as required. OTC analgesics.

  • Chiropractor | Sports Physician
  • Laytonsville, MD

It honestly depends on how badly sprained it really is. In most cases, though, it'll be fine with a boot and rest from activity while going through several weeks of rehab. Ankle sprains rarely need surgery.

  • Physical Therapist
  • Greeneville, TN

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

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