The injured ankle should be positioned and supported in the maximum dorsiflexion allowed by pain and effusion. Maximal dorsiflexion places the joint in its close-packed position or position of greatest congruency, allowing for the least capsular distention and resultant joint effusion. With ankle sprains, this position approximates the torn ligament ends in grade III injuries to reduce the amount of gap scarring and tension in grade I and II injured ligaments.