Most patients are placed in a splint or walking boot based on
the injury pattern. Ankle sprains are most frequently treated
without surgery. Initial rehabilitation consists of rest, ice,
compression (elastic wrap) and protected weight bearing. For
mild sprains, patients should discontinue the use of crutches as
soon as they can tolerate full weight on the ankle. Physical
therapy consists of range of motion, exercises with isometrics
and proprioceptive retraining. Bracing or taping are used when
patients need to immediately return to their sport. For mild
sprains taping and bracing can be discontinued three to four
weeks upon returning to their sport. For more involved sprains,
bracing or taping programs and supervised rehabilitation
programs are continued for six months. A year after the injury,
occasional intermittent pain is present in up to 40 percent of
patients. Surgery is not usually necessary for ankle sprains,
but can be recommended for patients with excessive hyper-
mobility of the ankle joint. Ankle