A collegiate volleyball player lands awkwardly after a jump serve and reports sharp lateral ankle pain with immediate swelling. She denies numbness or tingling, but has significant pain limiting her range of motion. On examination, there is tenderness over the lateral aspect of the ankle, no deformity, and the skin is intact. What is the next best step in managing this patient's injury?
Refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist for an evaluation before initiating any treatment.
Immobilize the ankle and schedule the patient for an outpatient MRI to assess for ligamentous damage.
Implement the RICE protocol immediately and reassess the injury after initial swelling has been managed.
Order an X-ray to exclude a fracture before taking any further actions.