DIAGNOSIS
Acute Ankle Sprain
Virginia Clerkin 06/07/06 – http://mset.rst2.edu/portfolios/c/clerkin_v/
(eMedex.com, n.d.)
Classifications
The sprained ankle is often classified as to how severe it is:
First degree ankle sprain:
* Some stretching or mild tearing of the ligament.
* Little or no functional loss - the joint can still function and bear some weight
(...but hurts!!!).
* Mild pain
* Some swelling
* Some joint stiffness.
Second degree ankle sprain:
* Some more severe tearing of the ligaments
* Moderate instability of the joint
* Moderate to severe pain – weight bearing is very painful
* Swelling and stiffness
Third degree ankle sprain:
* Total rupture of a ligament - there is a loss of motion
* Gross instability of the joint - joint function is lost
* Severe pain initially followed by no pain
* Severe swelling
(e-Podiatry.com, 2003)
Virginia M. Clerkin RN, BSN Website created & maintained by: V. Clerkin, 2006. All information
contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education. Always consult
your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure. This site is not a substitute for
regular medical care.
Treatment
The sooner treatment starts for a sprained ankle, the greater chance to prevent
chronic pain and long term instability.
For all grades of ankle sprain follow the R.I.C.E. principles as soon as possible:
* Rest your ankle - do not walk on it.
(Claytonsoccer.com, n.d.)
* Ice - this helps to keep the swelling down. Use ice on the injury several times a day
for 15-20 minutes (more than 20 minutes is not advised). Allow 90 minutes between
ice applications.
(McKinley Health Center, 2004)
* Compressive bandages are needed to immobilize the ankle sprain and to support
the injury.
When applying the Ace Bandage, start by making a two or three turns around the furthest point out from the body's
center (most distal). In the case of wrapping a foot or ankle, start at the toes (but don't cover the toes). The most
common mistake is in applying too much tension. Remember, you are trying to apply a small amount of compression.
Too much will impair blood flow and may cause injury. Then unroll the bandage in a circular fashion, overlapping the
previous turn. As you work your way more toward the center of the body (toward knee), apply less pressure, so that
overall direction of compression is from the more distal areas inward toward the center of the body.
(Brooksidepress.org, 2001)
* Elevate the ankle above your heart level for as much as you can for 48 hours. This
will help the body absorb fluid that has leaked into the tissue.
Virginia M. Clerkin RN, BSN Website created & maintained by: V. Clerkin, 2006. All information
contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education. Always consult
your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure. This site is not a substitute for
regular medical care.
(Growing Well, 2005)
*Anti-inflammatory pain medications will reduce the pain and combat the swelling.
Several are available over-the-counter, such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB and Advil are
common brands) and naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn are examples). Follow the
Directions on the Label. DO NOT EXCEED the RECOMMENDED DOSE.
All ankle sprains recover through three phases:
* Phase 1 includes resting, protecting the ankle and reducing the swelling (one week).
* Phase 2 includes restoring range of motion, strength and flexibility (one week to two
weeks).
* Phase 3 includes gradually returning to activities that do not require turning or twisting
the ankle and doing maintenance exercises. This will be followed later by being able to
do activities that require sharp, sudden turns ( cutting activities ) such as tennis,
basketball or football (weeks to months). (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
2000)
Return to your Doctor in ONE WEEK to develop a Rehabilitation Exercise
Program to speed your recovery.
Further Web information may be found at: http://mset.rst2.edu/portfolios/c/clerkin_v/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Sprained Ankle –
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?thread_id=152&topcategory=Foot
McKinley Health Center – Ankle Sprain -
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/handouts/anklesprain/anklesprain.html
ePodiatry.com – Ankle Sprains http://www.epodiatry.com/ankle-sprain.htm
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2000, March). Sprains and strains. Retrieved June 1, 2006, from
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=45&topcategory=Sports
Brookside Press (n.d.). Ace bandage. Retrieved June 2, 2006, from www.brooksidepress.org/. ../images/Ace2.jpg
Clayton Soccer (n.d.). What is the best way to treat a sprained ankle? Retrieved June 2, 2006, from www.claytonsoccer.com/
fitness/img/rice1.gif
Emedx.com (n.d.). Bruising and swelling of an ankle sprain. Retrieved June 2, 2006, from www.emedx.com/.../
ankle_sprain_bruise.JPG
Growing Well (n.d.). First aid. Retrieved June 5, 2006, from www.growingwell.com/ motherscorner/1staid.htm
McKinley Health Center (2004, June 7). Ankle sprain - treatment and exercises. Retrieved June 2, 2006, from
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/anklesprain/anklesprain.html
Virginia M. Clerkin RN, BSN Website created & maintained by: V. Clerkin, 2006. All information
contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education. Always consult
your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure. This site is not a substitute for
regular medical care.
ePodiatry.com (2003). Ankle sprain. Retrieved June 2, 2006, from www.epodiatry.com/ ankle-sprain.htm
Virginia M. Clerkin RN, BSN Website created & maintained by: V. Clerkin, 2006. All information
contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education. Always consult
your doctor before you engage in any type of health remedy or procedure. This site is not a substitute for
regular medical care.