Which of the following is not part of the initial management for a mild ankle sprain?

• A. Corticosteroid injection into the ankle joint
• B. RICE
• C. Gradual rehabilitation
• D. Protection

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that acute, mild ankle sprains are managed conservatively at first to protect the joint, reduce swelling, and restore function through gradual rehabilitation. Protecting the ankle with a brace or taping helps prevent further injury, while RICE—rest, ice, compression, elevation—controls swelling and pain in the early period. As soon as pain allows, a structured rehabilitation plan should begin to restore range of motion, strength, and proprioception, supporting a stable return to activity. Corticosteroid injection into the ankle joint is not part of this initial approach because it is an invasive procedure with risks (such as infection or weakening of tissues) and does not provide proven benefit for acute mild sprains compared with conservative care. It may be considered in specific chronic inflammatory situations or after the acute phase, but not as a routine first-line treatment.