RICE for Ankle Sprain/Strain

by Ken Blood
(Virginia)

How long should I stick to RICE for an ankle sprain/strain?

More especially, how long should I keep the ankle compressed/wrapped.

I kept it wrapped for 4 days (72 hour). I am wondering if I should keep it wrapped longer or not.

Thanks,
Ken

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RICE for Ankle Sprain/Strain

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Nov 10, 2008
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RICE Timeline
by: Bart - SII

10-14 days to be safe. Your body goes through an inflammatory phase after injury - this is when it produces swelling and brings fluid into the area to begin the healing process - Inflammation lasts for about 10-14 days, and after that time, it subsides into the next phase of healing. So, you want to control the swelling for the duration of the inflammation cycle.

Bart