Which initial management is recommended for acute ankle sprain?

• A. NSAIDs only
• B. RICE
• C. Heat
• D. Massage

Answer: (B)

Initial management of an acute ankle sprain focuses on controlling swelling and pain while protecting the injured ligaments. RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—best achieves this in the first days after injury.

Rest prevents further tissue stress, while Ice helps limit inflammation and numb pain by reducing blood flow. Compression supports the joint and reduces edema, and Elevation promotes fluid drainage away from the ankle. Together, these steps create a favorable environment for healing and early function.

NSAIDs can help with pain, but using them alone doesn’t address swelling or protection; heat in the acute phase can increase swelling, and massage can irritate fresh tissue. So the initial, most effective approach is the RICE method.