Question

Shar is a 28-year-old female active golfer who fell down the stairs last week and presented to the office three days ago with a high-grade sprain of the right ankle diagnosed by the orthopedist. Today, she reports to you that her ankle is painful, tender, and swollen. She had difficulty ambulating after playing a round of golf with her friends yesterday. What is your treatment plan for Shar, and why? What clinical guidelines support your decision? What patient education should you give to Shar?

Answer 1

The treatment plan for Shar is RICE

• Rest to avoid further injury
• Ice application to prevent swelling and pain
• Compression can relieve swelling by pressure application
• Elevation to reduce swelling

Apart from this administration of analgesics to reduce pain , anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling

The clinical guidelines which support the decision are the pain assessment tool to assess the level and intensity of pain.The following patient education is necessary for the patient

• Rest as per advise atleast a week to three until complete recovery
• Medication to be taken as per order
• Not to indulge in sports activities again or playing golf which can increase the problem