Sprained Ankle: First Aid Treatment and Recovery Tips

If you've suffered a sprained ankle, it's important to take the right steps to ease pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Even if your ankle sprain seems mild, it's a good idea to see a doctor for an evaluation to rule out more serious injuries. Seek emergency care if you experience severe pain, bruising, swelling, bleeding, numbness, discoloration, deformity, or inability to put weight on the affected ankle.

Controlling Ankle Swelling After a Sprain

As soon as possible after spraining your ankle, remove any constricting jewelry like ankle bracelets or toe rings. Then, follow the RICE method to manage symptoms:

• Rest the injured ankle, using crutches if needed to avoid putting weight on it

• Ice the ankle for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 48 hours after the injury

• Compress the ankle by wrapping it lightly with an elastic bandage or brace

• Elevate the ankle above heart level whenever lying down for the first 48 hours

How to Properly Wrap a Sprained Ankle

To wrap a sprained ankle with a compression bandage:

1. Unroll the wrap and place the end just behind your toes

2. Wrap the bandage in a spiral pattern toward your heart, overlapping each layer by half the width of the previous layer

3. Continue wrapping around the foot, heel, and ankle until the entire area is covered up to several inches above the injury

Pain Relief for Sprained Ankles

If pain and swelling persist after using the RICE method, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers that may help. Avoid giving aspirin to anyone under 19 years old. For more information on ankle sprains and their treatment, consult reputable sources like the WebMD guide to ankle injuries, Mayo Clinic's sprained ankle treatment overview, or the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' sprained ankle page.