Ankle pain most often results from a sprain, though any damage to the bones, ligaments or tendons can cause pain. A sprain is likely the case, however, if swelling, bruising, numbness in the foot and loss of movement occur, according to FamilyDoctor.org, the website of the American Association of Family Physicians. Mild ankle pain can be treated with home remedies, but if improvement is not noted within weeks, see your doctor.
Rest
Rest may seem like a passive remedy, but proper rest is needed to protect your ankle from further injury and promote healing. Keeping your ankle elevated serves two purposes: it reduces swelling and keeps weight off the injury. Rest is most important immediately following an ankle injury and should be practiced within 48 hours after ankle pain is experienced, the Mayo Clinic says.
Ice
Icing an injury is most effective when swelling is present. For ankle pain accompanied by swelling, placing a commercial ice pack, which can be found at any pharmacy, or homemade ice product, such as a bag of frozen vegetables or plastic bag containing crushed ice, will minimize swelling and ease pain by numbing the area. The Mayo Clinic recommends using this treatment up to three times daily for periods of 15 to 20 minutes. Too much ice can damage the nerves, however. Always place a cloth between your skin and the ice pack and remove ice promptly when the skin feels numb.
Over-the-counter Medications
Several over-the-counter medications exist for treating ankle pain. Acetaminophen is a safe option for long-term use; most commonly used for arthritis and chronic pain conditions. However, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation. For pain relief and reduced swelling, NSAIDs, the common term for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, may be the best remedy. NSAIDs are not suitable for long-term use, however. They can cause stomach upset and increase blood pressure in those with high blood pressure, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Compression Bandages
Compression bandages are helpful for relieving pain and swelling as well as protecting the ankle from movement. Wrap your ankle with the appropriate amount of pressure, using an elastic bandage. Wrapping too tightly will cut off the blood flow.
