Studies show that ten percent of emergency department visits can be attributed to ankle injuries. The vast majority of these injuries are sprains. Standard treatment for acute ankle sprains is commonly known as RICE therapy. Patients are told to rest and ice the ankle for twenty minutes at a time. The ankle is then wrapped in compression bandages and elevated. Jones compression dressing involves using alternating layers of elastic bandages and compression bandages. Ibuprofen is often prescribed to ease pain. If the patient has a history of intolerance to aspirin, acetaminophen is prescribed as a substitute.nnRICE therapy is an effective for of treatment, to an extent. Unfortunately, it does little to prevent future ankle damage. The RICE technique provides initial damage control but more must be done to ensure future injury is avoided. Statistics show that 25% to 40% of all ankle sprains are recurring injuries. If original injuries go untreated, the patient has a good chance of damaging the ankle later in life. Minor forms of disability may also occur. One possible solution is OMT, or Osteopathic manipulative treatment.nnThis treatment provides care on an individual level. The treatment each patient receives is entirely unique to their particular injury. The osteopath physician assesses the joint and surrounding muscles. They then decide which soft tissue techniques would prove most effective. Sessions are brief, lasting only 10-20 minutes. Several studies show that these treatments lower pain levels and greatly improve the patient\'s overall range of motion.nnThere are many soft tissue treatments. The physician studies the bones, from toe to ankle, and decides where most attention should be focused. Osteopaths have many options for ankle treatment. Sometimes muscle energy and strain-counter strain techniques prove useful. In other situations, lymphatic drainage is the main focus of the treatment. Drainage is an important part of the pain reduction process. The majority of ankle injury pain is the result of the fluid that builds up in the joint areas around the bones. This fluid can severely decrease mobility and slow down the recovery process. nnAnkle sprains require immediate treatment. Physicians aim to return the ankle to proper working order. The goal is to get the patient up and walking normally as soon as possible. They also try to increase the overall range of motion and reduce pain levels as much as possible. Studies prove that even one Osteopathic manipulative treatment session can greatly improve the recovery process for acute ankle injuries.nnClearly, ankle injury is a serious problem. Untreated injuries can lead to improper healing and permanent disability. Fortunately, treatment can be easily received. RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy and osteopath sessions will reduce pain and make for a speedy recovery. Proper care can also prevent future ankle damage.