Treaments for Sprains and Strains
Reduce Swelling and Pain
Treatments for sprains and strains
are similar and can be thought of as having two stages. The
goal during the first stage is to reduce swelling and pain.
At this stage, health care providers usually advise patients
to follow a formula of rest, ice, compression, and elevation
(RICE) for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury (see
the box below). The provider may also recommend an
over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to
help decrease pain and inflammation.
For people with a moderate or severe
sprain, particularly of the ankle, a hard cast may be
applied. This often occurs after the initial swelling has
subsided. Severe sprains and strains may require surgery to
repair the torn ligaments, muscle, or tendons. Surgery is
usually performed by an orthopaedic surgeon.
It is important that moderate and
severe sprains and strains be evaluated by a health care
provider to allow prompt, appropriate treatment to begin.
This box lists some signs that should alert people to
consult their provider. However, a person who has any
concerns about the seriousness of a sprain or strain should
always contact a provider for advice.
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RICE Therapy
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Rest
Reduce regular exercise or activities of
daily living as needed. Your health care
provider may advise you to put no weight on
an injured area for 48 hours. If you cannot
put weight on an ankle or knee, crutches may
help. If you use a cane or one crutch for an
ankle injury, use it on the uninjured side
to help you lean away and relieve weight on
the injured ankle.
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Ice
Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20
minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. A
cold pack, ice bag, or plastic bag filled
with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can
be used. To avoid cold injury and frostbite,
do not apply the ice for more than 20
minutes.
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Compression
Compression of an injured ankle, knee, or
wrist may help reduce swelling. Examples of
compression bandages are elastic wraps,
special boots, air casts, and splints. Ask
your provider for advice on which one to
use, and how tight to safely apply the
bandage.
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Elevation
If possible, keep the injured ankle, knee,
elbow, or wrist elevated on a pillow, above
the level of the heart, to help decrease
swelling.
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Source: Adapted from National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS)
Part 1: Treatment for sprains and strains
Part 2: Difference between sprains and strains
Part 3: Signs and symptoms of a sprain
Part 4: How to prevent sprains and strains
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