It’s okay to still be somewhat active during the first 48 hours. In fact, mild activity (e. g. , walking with a crutch) can help keep the muscles in your injured ankle strong. You can purchase a brace at a medical-supply shop. Ankle braces may also be sold at large pharmacies or drugstores.
Applying an ice pack to the injured ankle will cause the blood vessels to constrict and to limit blood flow to the injured area, which minimizes swelling. Applying ice to the injured ankle has the added benefit of providing pain relief by numbing the nerve endings in the area. You can buy gel ice packs at a pharmacy or drugstore.
Holding the ice pack against the injured ankle for more than 20 minutes could cause frostbite or damage the skin.
You can buy a compression sleeve or sock at most pharmacies and drugstores. They’ll also be available at most sports-supply shops and even at some large supermarkets.
While you’re elevating your injured ankle, keep your leg straight. Try not to bend your leg so there is no added pressure on the ankle.
Also see your doctor if you notice red streaks or patches extending outward from the injured area. This can be a sign of an infection.
You can purchase NSAID meds at any pharmacy or drugstore.
If the ankle is broken—and especially if any bones are sticking out from the injured ankle—head to the ER immediately. A tingling sensation in the ankle can indicate that the injured area is not getting enough blood and oxygen. This can also indicate nerve damage.
