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None Provided7 The most common type of ankle injury is a sprain. A sprain is stretching and tearing of ligaments (fibrous bands connecting adjacent bones in a joint.) There are many ligaments around the ankle and these can become damaged when the ankle is forced into a postion not normally encountered. The most frequently seen sprain occurs when weight is applied to a foot which is on an uneven surface, and the foot "rolls in" (inversion). Because the sole of the foot is pointing inward as force is applied, the ligaments stabilizing the lateral - or outside - part of the ankle are stressed. Many patients report hearing a "snap" or "pop" at the time of the injury. This is usually followed by pain and swelling on the lateral aspect of the ankle. THE MOST IMPORTANT INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF A SPRAIN IS, Many of the problems resulting from sprains are due to blood and edema in and around the ankle. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster. The RICE regimen facilitates this. Rest - no weight bearing for the first 24 hours after the injury (Possibly longer, depending upon severity) Ice - apply ice packs using a towel over a plastic bag to the area that is painful. Be careful to avoid frostbite. Ice should be intermittantly applied for the first 24 hours. Compression - an ACE bandage or other soft elastic material should be applied to the ankle to help prevent the Elevation - elevating the ankle helps in removing edema. By having the foot higher than the hip (or heart), gravity is used to pull edema out of the ankle. In the initial 24 hours, it is very important to avoid things which might increase swelling. 2.heat rubs (methylsalicylate counterirritants such as "Ben Gay", etc.. 5.aspirin - prolongs the clotting time of blood and may cause more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process) WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION If the ankle is obviously fractured or dislocated, then medical attention should be sought immediately. If you are fairly certain that it is sprained then use the RICE regimen and get a professional opinion regarding diagnosis and treatment. Rice University students are encouraged to make an appointment with one of the physicians at the student health service to assess the severity of the injury, determine if X-rays are necessary, and to receive instruction on proper rehabilitation In some instances a fracture of one of the bones in the leg or ankle may occur along with a sprain. Pain alone is not necessarily a reliable guide of the presence or absence of a fracture. Fractures can usually be diagnosed with an X-ray A student who spains his or her ankle on a Friday night can usually follow the RICE regimen, and see a physician on Because it is not possible to predict or discuss every possible situation that might arise, it is recommended that the student use common sense in dealing with his or her injury. DEGREE OF SEVERITY OF ANKLE SPAINS Grade I - stretch and/or minor tear of the ligament without laxity (loosening) Grade II - tear of ligament plus some laxity Grade III - complete tear of the affected ligament (very loose) Bibliography:

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