The following procedure is the most import initial magnemet of a sprains :

R - rest

I - ice

C - compression

E ¡V elevation

Many of the problems resulting from sprains are due to blood and edema in and around the ankle. Minimizing swelling helps the ankle heal faster. The RICE regimen facilitates this.

Rest - no weight bearing for the first 24 hours after the injury (Possibly longer, depending upon severity)

Ice - apply Cold therapy, using Irufa cold gel pack or cold therapy series products to the area that is painful. Be careful to avoid frostbite. Ice should be intermittantly applied for the first 24 hours.

Compression - using Irufa's ankle supports, wraps or elastic bandage should be applied to the ankle to help prevent the accumulaton of edema.

Elevation - elevating the ankle helps in removing edema. By having the foot higher than the hip (or heart), gravity is used to pull edema out of the ankle.

Not to do following thing which might increase swelling in the initial 24 hours

* hot showers

* heat rubs (methylsalicylate counterirritants such as "Ben Gay", etc..

*hot packs

*drinking alcohol

* aspirin - prolongs the clotting time of blood and may cause more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process)

Not to do following thing which might increase swelling in the initial 24 hours

* hot showers

* heat rubs (methylsalicylate counterirritants such as "Ben Gay", etc..

*hot packs

*drinking alcohol

* aspirin - prolongs the clotting time of blood and may cause more bleeding into the ankle. (Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to help with pain, but will not speed up the healing process)

Degree of severity of ankle spains :

Grade I - stretch and/or minor tear of the ligament without laxity (loosening)

Grade II - tear of ligament plus some laxity

Grade III - complete tear of the affected ligament (very loose)