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Sprained Ankle: Symptons & Relief

Sprained Ankle: Symptons & Relief

Last updated 18th January 2024

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You may have sprained an ankle tripping up the stairs. Or hurt it while exercising at the gym. Regardless, the result is the same. It can really disrupt your day.

Typical signs of a sprained ankle are swelling, tenderness, pain and sometimes bruising, otherwise known as inflammation. These symptoms are to be expected. But what may surprise you is they’re all part of the body’s natural defence system. So, what’s happening to your sprain and why does it hurt that much?

Inflammation means your body is protecting you

Inflammation is a normal response when you have a sprain. It’s how your body reacts to the injury. When you sprain an ankle the soft tissues in your body are damaged. This causes these tissues to release chemicals that act as an alarm signal to begin the healing process. Consequently, more blood flow is released to the injury which brings platelets (to stop any bleeding) and white blood cells with it. This is actually a good sign. They help the body to repair the damage. It also explains why your sprained ankle may be swollen.

Why are sprains so painful?

When you sprain an ankle, your body’s alarm system releases chemicals called prostaglandins from the damaged tissue. The release of these chemicals is important for causing inflammation which protects the area of the injury. However, it also makes nerves sensitive to pain. This pain can be alleviated by pain relief options while the injury heals.

Managing inflammation while you have it

To help relieve an injury means you have to try and reduce the inflammation which is the source of pain. For sprained ankles or muscle strains there is the RICE method. It simply stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

REST

The body needs time to repair, so try to avoid putting any extra weight on it than necessary. Without rest, you place continual strain on the injury which can lead to further inflammation.

ICE

Ice is a great way to reduce inflammation and can reduce bleeding and swelling. Applying ice to the injury for 10 minutes every 1-2 hours, continuing for up to 48 hours, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

COMPRESSION

Applying a bandage to the area also helps prevent swelling and provides support for the injury.

ELEVATION

By keeping the injury raised, swelling can also be reduced. It helps blood and fluid drain away from the injury. This approach works best by raising the limb to slightly above the level of your heart where practical.

Sprained Ankle Relief

Ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Nurofen) reduces the production of prostaglandins to reduce inflammation and help with pain. After a couple of days most strains and sprains begin to heal. If symptoms get worse in the first 24 hours, or you are concerned about your sprain for any reason, see your doctor for advice.

Other pain that’s associated with inflammation

Inflammation isn’t just confined to a sprained ankle. It can also be the cause of pain in other conditions including toothaches, cold & flu and sinusitis.

Inflammation is a double-edged sword

Inflammation is both good and bad. While it’s part of the healing process of a sprain or strain, it’s also responsible for the pain. By now you should have an understanding of how the inflammation process works. This should help you to relieve the pain associated with it and reduce inflammation while the injury heals.

RB-M-04379

First published:

17th February 2021

Last updated:

18th January 2024

Important information

This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your health professional.