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Help for the most common ankle injury

	Moving around soon after you sprain your ankle will help you recover more quickly. But first you need to rest and reduce the pain and swelling. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org and learn more about treatments for ankle sprains that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out whether supportive devices, surgery, physical therapy or other treatments rate best for treating ankle sprains.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating ankle sprains. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with ankle sprains

• The first thing to do is called RICE. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. RICE helps reduce pain and swelling.
• Taking a painkiller, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help at first.
• Your symptoms and treatment will depend on how seriously you've sprained your ankle. You should see a doctor if your ankle is very swollen and you find it hard to stand.
• Moving around early with your ankle bandaged or strapped up can help you recover more quickly.
• You're more likely to get a sprained ankle if you've had one before. Particularly in the first six weeks after your injury, it's important not to sprain your ankle again.

When your foot suddenly twists inwards as you run, turn or fall you may overstretch or tear the ligaments around your ankle joint. How bad your sprain is depends on how much damage you've done to the ligaments. The amount of pain you experience after the initial injury may correspond to the severity of the tear. After a mild sprain, you can usually get back to normal within one to two weeks. Over half of people with ankle sprains manage to return to work within three weeks.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which ankle sprain treatment is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.