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The following are guidelines to be used at home
for the treatment of ankle injuries. Basic treatment consists
of:
Rest Ice Compression Elevation (RICE)
If the athlete is injured at school, the athlete will usually
come home with a compression wrap and horseshoe on the injured
ankle. This is not to be removed unless the athlete is icing
the ankle or if the wrap is becoming too tight as the result
of swelling. Once the ice therapy is done, the horseshoe and
compression wrap should be re-applied. The wrap and horseshoe
is to remain on until the athlete goes to bed and then it is
removed. Upon getting up in the morning, the horseshoe and
wrap is placed back on the ankle. Applying the horseshoe
and compression
wrap will help to minimize the swelling within the ankle joint.
This will help to speed up the rehabilitation process.
During the first several days after the injury, the ankle will
generally be very painful. This is normal in a ligament injury.
The pain may be controlled with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Do not be alarmed by the swelling that may occur. Ice therapy
should only be applied to the ankle for only 15-20 minutes
once an hour. Ice may be applied several times over the evening
hours
to help reduce swelling. Elevation should be used in addition
to the ice treatment. Pillows or blankets may be used to elevate
the ankle above the level of the hips or heart. Elevation should
continue after the ice treatment and during the time the athlete
is sleeping.
Ice therapy should be used exclusively for the first 72 hours
after the injury.
NEVER APPLY HEAT DURING THIS TIME FRAME!
Applying heat during this time will result in a marked increase
in the amount of swelling around the ankle joint.
Crutches may be issued initially if the athlete has severe
pain when applying pressure to the ankle when walking. If the
pain
is not severe, the athlete should try to walk. The athlete
should try to walk as normal as possible, even if this requires
taking
slow, small steps.
If your son/daughter is taken for medical evaluation, we must
have a medical release
form from the physician before they
will be allowed to return to participation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to
contact us.
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