Anti-inflammatory medications, like Ibuprofen, may be used at this time. The medication needs to be taken on a regular schedule to be effective in lessening pain and swelling. In addition to early treatment, prompt and aggressive physical therapy is essential to a patient's timely recovery. However, until normal walking is possible, patients should use crutches. Early weight-bearing tolerance with protected ankle mobilization starts the rehabilitation.
Greater flexibility allows a more normal gait during therapy.
Retraining and re-educating the appropriate muscles and ankle mechanisms through various techniques is essential to aid the rehabilitation process and prevent recurrent injury. The proper approach to treatment and rehabilitation will hasten the return to full activity for almost any patient after a common ligament sprain injury.