Treat with a cold compress containing ice if possible (a bag of frozen peas is one option, but never put ice directly on the skin as it can cause an ice burn). Use for 15 minutes. This can be repeated 3-4 times in the first 24 hours.
Following this compress the sprain with a firm crepe bandage or elastic bandage. Then elevate the limb.
Take paracetamol regularly. Ibuprofen regularly also helps and is safe to take with paracetamol.
University of Lincoln Health Service
Symptoms
How to help yourself
The initial pain and discomfort may last up to a week.
Thereafter some weakness and pain may persist for up to 6 weeks.
Available medicine
Contact Us
Acute sport injury
- Tubigrip/elastic bandages
- Pain and swelling initially
- 24-48 hours later bruising may appear
- If the pain isn’t controlled by simple painkillers
- You are unable to bear any weight through the affected limb
- If the symptoms aren’t resolving after 1 week