Ice helps reduce pain and swelling and promotes healing. Ice should be used in place of heat as long as swelling persists. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes on then 40 minutes off either every hour or several times a day, depending on the extent of the swelling. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin. A pillowcase or a T-shirt or over two wraps of the ACE bandage are a good thickness between the ice and the skin.
Compression is used to support and immobilize the ankle.
An ACE bandage or an ankle brace works well. When using either, make sure that at least two fingers can easily be slipped between the compression device and the ankle. Ibuprofen is good for both pain and swelling, but is hard on the stomach and can cause kidney damage if used in large doses or for long periods. Aspirin should be avoided for players under 21 years of age due to the potential risk of Reye's Syndrome. The amount of time it takes for an ankle injury to heal depends on the severity of the sprain.