How to behave in case of ankle sprain? First aid is very important, here’s how to proceed.
At least once in their life it will have happened to everyone to come across a painful and annoying one ankle sprain. It doesn’t take much, a badly placed foot that “bends” inwards and a strong pain peeps out. It often happens to those who are used to running, perhaps following a particularly fast sprint. It is a widespread circumstance but few know the former maneuvers to be carried out.
How to understand if you really are faced with a distortion? Experts recommend learning about the symptoms. In case the ankle shows up sore, swollen and swollenit is quite probable. Sometimes hematomas may appear, even a few hours after the occurrence trauma. Therefore, if the signals should be those described, it is necessary to follow some rules, without fear.
RICE, the maneuvers to carry out in case of ankle sprain
Dr Maria Cristina D’Agostino, orthopedic specialist and head of the Shock Wave Therapy Center of the Humanitas hospital, described the maneuvers that must be carried out in this case. It’s about four rules to follow that go under the acronym R.I.C.E.:
- Rest: plans to abstain from physical activity.
- Ice: consists in the application of ice.
- Compression: involves the application of a bandage or brace.
- Elevation: it consists in keeping the leg stretched upwards to prevent the creation of edema and bruising.
Although they are effective techniques, it is always advisable to go to the emergency room. In fact, doctors will be able to recommend the intake of the most suitable pain relievers. The RICE maneuvers are really useful and if well executed they allow you to “limit the damage” due to the trauma.
“The first few weeks are of fundamental importance, as they can condition subsequent evolution. If the RICE rule mentioned above is respected, and above all if a rather rapid resolution of the hematoma/edema and pain is obtained, the course will potentially be more favorable and rapid, with a lower risk of the pain becoming chronic” explained the expert, as we read on Humanitas.
If the pain does not go away and if it continues for more than two months after the event that caused the trauma, it is advisable consult a doctor which indicates the exams to be investigated. In some cases it could be a contusion to the bone and cartilage: if this were the case, it is essential to undergo specific checks.