10 Symptoms and Treatments of Ankle Sprains

2. Swelling

After an ankle sprain occurs, swelling may be one of the early noticeable symptoms. The ligaments in your ankle tear during a sprain, which can lead to inflammation. This swelling is typically painful and may last for several days following the injury. To reduce swelling, take anti-inflammatory medications regularly. Stay off of the joint as much as possible, and elevate your foot when resting. You can also apply a cold compress to the injured ankle, which should help to eliminate the swelling. If swelling does not decrease on its own after a few days or becomes severe, you should seek medical care.