The area will usually swell with discoloration. The best immediate first aid is to put an ice pack on the ankle and elevate it. Crushed ice can be held on the ankle with an elastic wrap. Ice, pressure, and elevation should be used to control hemorrhage and swelling in the joint. Icing a joint injury is important because injured joints rapidly swell with the effusion of blood and serum.
Some compression is needed to minimize swelling.
Alternate this with ice until the swelling goes down. The ankle will still ache, but the compress draws out the inflammation and allows blood to circulate and heal the ankle. If the sprain turns a yellowish this means the sprain is in the process of healing. Some physicians may routinely apply a cast to a second-or third degree sprain for a week or longer to ensure proper repair. Other physicians will apply a tape support to the sprain and instruct the dancer to engage in no weight bearing for 2 to 3 days.