An ankle sprain is a common, yet painful and inconvenient injury. Most ankle sprains are minor, and can be treated at home. But, should you reach for the ice pack or wrap your ankle in a warm compress? While both ice and heat can offer relief, they serve different purposes and should be used at different stages of the healing process.
Understanding Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in your ankle are stretched or torn. Usually, this is a result of an unexpected twist, turn, or impact. That’s why those in high-impact sports or hobbies tend to get sprained ankles the most. Symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
It might be tempting to brush off the injury, but rehabilitation and prevention steps will strengthen your body and mitigate the likelihood of reinjury. Treatment will also reduce any minor symptoms and make the recovery process shorter. The application of ice and heat is one part of the treatment plan, but understanding when to use each is key. The golden rule for treating a sprain in the first 48 hours is to ice first, then heat later.
When to Use Ice for an Ankle Sprain:
Ice is the most effective treatment for managing an acute ankle sprain because it helps control inflammation and numb the pain. When you first injure your ankle, the body’s natural response is to send blood to the affected area to promote healing. This increase in blood flow leads to swelling, bruising, and pain. Applying ice immediately helps to constrict blood vessels. In turn, this reduces the amount of fluid that leaks into the tissues around the injury. Icing the injury limits swelling and helps to prevent excessive inflammation, which can prolong the healing process.
When to Use Heat for an Ankle Sprain:
Heat is most effective when used to increase blood flow to the area, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that promote healing. It helps relieve muscle tightness and soreness, which can develop as a result of the injury. When it comes to ankle sprains, heat therapy is typically recommended after the first 48 hours, when the initial swelling has gone down. Applying heat before that time can increase blood flow, which might increase inflammation.
Should You Use Both Ice and Heat?
In many cases, using both ice and heat at different stages of healing can be beneficial. The general guideline is to start with ice to manage inflammation and swelling during first 48 hours, and then transition to heat once the swelling has gone down. Some patients may even alternate between ice and heat after the first few days for optimal results.
Other Treatments for Ankle Sprains
While ice and heat are important for managing an ankle sprain, there are additional treatments that can aid in your recovery:
- Rest and Elevation: Resting your ankle and keeping it elevated helps reduce swelling and prevents further injury.
- Compression: Wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage can provide support and reduce swelling.
- Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy Exercises: Strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of and around the injury helps to rebuild stability and prevent reinjury.
Ankle Sprain Treatment from Louisville Sports Medicine Doctor, Dr. Stacie Grossfeld
Although ankle sprains are common and usually minor injuries, they can worsen if not treated with care. Consult a doctor if:
- You are still experiencing pain or other symptoms months after the injury.
- You are unsure about which treatment is best for your specific injury.
- Your symptoms worsen.
With the help of a doctor, getting you back on your feet and back to your active lifestyle can be easier. Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists has plenty of experience helping athletes and others recover from injuries like ankle sprains.
If you or someone you love has suffered an ankle sprain injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
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