The New Approach to Sprained Ankles

Sprained ankles can be a painful nuisance, sidelining athletes from sports and workers from their jobs. The traditional approach has been to baby such an injury, keeping it elevated. But that’s changing to a keep-moving approach. Here, two experts elaborate.

Dr. Tony Daly, staff physician and sports medicine specialist, Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital

“The standard advice for sprains--rest, ice, immobilize, compress and elevate, or RICE for short--still works. “But we also try to get patients moving. We use an air cast--an inflatable device that compresses the ankle but still lets patients function. It is not new but more doctors are using it lately. It helps to take the pain away.”

Dr. Jonathan Jaivin, orthopedic surgeon, Southern California Orthopedic Institute at Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Van Nuys

“First, I determine if the sprain happened recently or weeks ago. I grade it. Grade 1 is a stretching of the ligament. Grade 2 is a partial tear. Grade 3 is a complete rupture.

The standard RICE advice is still valid. But the new thinking, even with more severe ankle sprains, is to get patients moving right away. I use the air cast a lot too. It speeds healing and reduces swelling and stiffness.”