Using BSN Medical Strappal® Ankle Taping for Ankle Sprain

Most people have twisted an ankle at some point in their life. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine 2012, general sprains can be treated according to the P.O.L.I.C.E. Principle.

(Image Source: https://www.sportsandspinal.net.au)

P.O.L.I.C.E. Principle

Protection

After an ankle injury, you should rest the injured joint to avoid further loading. Do not continue to exercise immediately and reduce the movement of the ankle.

Optimum Loading

While protecting the injured joint, gentle movement should be introduced. When the pain in the ankle improves, you can stretch the injured area because a proper loading can stimulate the healing process of the injured area.

Ice

Applying ice to the injured area with a plastic bag of ice cubes or using ice pads. This reduces the blood circulation in the injured area and reduces swelling, bruising and pain.

Compression

Bandaging the sprained ankle with a bandage can effectively reduce internal bleeding and prevent swelling in the injured area. You should pay attention to the tightness of the bandage to avoid ischemia in the injured area.

Elevation

Elevating the injured area. The most ideal position is to elevate the sprained area to a height higher than the heart which can reduce the swelling of the ankle.

The above methods are post-injury treatments. When the injury gets better and attempt to perform exercises again, fix the injured joint with the bandages that are commonly used by physiotherapists to avoid re-injury and conduct rehabilitation exercises.

Use bandage correctly can increase the stability of the joints and avoid injuries caused by excessive movement.

Source: Mr. Lo Ho Cheong

Registered Physiotherapist