HOW DOES R.I.C.E. RELATE TO TREATMENT OF ANKLE INJURY?

I sprained my ankle, and my friend mentioned “RICE.” Is this related to a special diet or something?

RICE actually stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It’s a method to reduce pain and swelling, helping you recover more quickly.

Here’s how RICE works:

1. Rest: Give your ankle time to heal by avoiding activities that cause pain.
2. Ice: Apply a bag of crushed ice to your ankle for 20 minutes at a time, two to four times a day.
3. Compression: Wrap the sprained ankle with a stiff sports tape or ACE bandage. A physiotherapist can teach you the proper technique.
4. Elevation: Keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart for at least two to four hours a day.

Continue with RICE until you can walk comfortably without pain. For a faster recovery, physiotherapy techniques like joint mobilization can be beneficial. Consult your physiotherapist for more information on these treatments.