How do you take care of a sprained ankle?

Immediate treatment

1. Rest. Avoid walking or putting weight on the injured ankle.

2. Ice. Apply ice to the injured ankle for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Compression. Wrap the injured ankle with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.

4. Elevation. Keep the injured ankle elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.

5. Pain relief. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain.

Long-term treatment

1. Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help you strengthen your ankle and restore your range of motion.

2. Bracing. You may need to wear a brace or ankle support to help support your ankle while it heals.

3. Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a severe sprained ankle.

Recovery time

The recovery time for a sprained ankle can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Most sprained ankles heal within a few weeks, but some may take several months to heal completely.