(HealthDayNews) -- Sprained ankles are usually more painful than they are serious.
Follow the American Academy of Family Physicians' RICE approach to ease your discomfort:
- Rest -- Depending on how serious your sprain is, you may have to rest your ankle, either partially or completely.
- Ice -- Apply it to your ankle for up to three days after the injury. This can reduce swelling, pain, bruising and muscles spasms.
- Compression -- Wrapping your ankle for a few days will help avoid swelling and bruising.
- Elevation -- Raising your ankle to or above the level of your heart will keep the swelling in check and help reduce bruising. Try this for about 2 to 3 hours a day.