Ankle injuries are a common problem encountered in people who engage in activities that involve rapid turning and twisting of the leg. They are more common in footballers, basketball players, skateboarding, and tennis ball. Inversion injuries of the ankle occurs when the foot is inverted (the foot is rotated medially) beyond a certain level resulting in a strain just like in the case of this patient (Bekerom, et al., 2012). The test that I might want to carry out on this patient is an x-ray in order to determine whether there is a fracture of any of the bones of the ankle joint or not. Because this would alter the plan of management altogether.
My initial plan for the treatment of the condition would be a conservative managment represented by the mnemonic PRICE (Protection, Resting, Icing, Compression and Elevation). Though the evidence is scanty, this treatment modality has been used over the years with varying amount of success (Bekerom, et al., 2012). PRICE helps to reduce the movement of the ankle thus preventing further damage. It also helps to improve venous and lymphatic return thus reducing the swelling in the affected area. Icing is a technique that involves dipping the affected part in ice in order to reduce pain and swelling. It is usually done in cycles usually of 20 minutes on and 2o minutes off. If effectively carried out, it reduces swelling and pain significantly. Compression involves applying force on the region of the two malleoli. This can be carried out in the form of compression bandages tied tightly around the ankle joint. Compression is effective in reducing the swelling associated with ankle sprains. Raising the ankle joint above the level of the heart also improves venous return and reduces swelling. This can be done by advising the patient to lie in bed while elevating the affected leg at an angle of 45 degrees. It is also important to advice the patient to rest the affected limb in order to facilitate healing. Even though he is able to bear weight with the affected side, it would be important to advice the patient to use crutches until the foot heals completely.
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References
Bekerom, M. P. V. D., Struijs, P. A., Blankevoort, L., Welling, L., Dijk, C. N. V., & Kerkhoffs, G. M. (2012). What Is the Evidence for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation Therapy in the Treatment of Ankle Sprains in Adults? Journal of Athletic Training , 47 (4), 435–443. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-47.4.14
