Ankle strain and sprain

• A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist

or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear
the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle
bones together.

• An ankle strain is a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle or tendon in

your ankle. An acute strain is a strain that happens suddenly. A
chronic strain can happen over several days or weeks. A
chronic strain can be caused by moving your ankle the same
way over and over.
The nursing intervention of ankle sprain
and strain is the same :
• The acronym RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation is
helpful for remembering treatment intervention:

 Rest prevents additional injury and promotes healing.

 Apply ice on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as

directed. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases
swelling and pain.
 Compress the ankle by wrapping an elastic bandage around
your ankle. An elastic bandage provides support and helps
decrease swelling and movement so your ankle can heal. Wear
it as long as directed.

 Elevate the ankle above the level of your heart as often as you

can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop the ankle
on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.