Will anti-inflammatories help a sprained ankle?
ANSWER
Anti-inflammatory pain medications will reduce the pain and combat the swelling. Several are available over-the-counter, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). But check with your doctor first if you have any medical problems or take any other medicines.
Reviewed by Melinda Ratini on February 25, 2020
Author: Howard A Blumstein, MD, FAAEM, Assistant Professor, Surgery; Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Editors: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM, Attending Physician, Emergency Department, Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA.
SOURCES:
eMedicineHealth: "Ankle Sprain."
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Sprained Ankle."
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society: "Ankle Sprain."
HealthyChildren.org: "Sprained Ankles."
UptoDate: "Ankle Sprain."
Author: Howard A Blumstein, MD, FAAEM, Assistant Professor, Surgery; Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Editors: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM, Attending Physician, Emergency Department, Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA.
SOURCES:
eMedicineHealth: "Ankle Sprain."
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Sprained Ankle."
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society: "Ankle Sprain."
HealthyChildren.org: "Sprained Ankles."
UptoDate: "Ankle Sprain."
From: Sprained Ankle
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.