Self-care
For many ankle injuries, self-care measures ease the pain. Examples include:
- Rest. Keep weight off your ankle as much as possible. Take a break from your normal activities.
- Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
- Compression. Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation. Elevate your foot above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain medications. Drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease pain and aid healing.
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Even with the best of care, you may have some ankle swelling, stiffness or pain, particularly first thing in the morning or after you've been active, for several weeks.
Who to see
For evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of an ankle sprain, you may see:
- An emergency medicine doctor.
- A primary care professional (family medicine doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, general practitioner, or internist).
- An orthopedist.
- A sports medicine doctor.
For further treatment, you may be referred to:
- A physical therapist (for stretching and strengthening exercises and to help you return to your usual activities).
- An orthopedist.
