What should I do for a sprained ankle?

First 48 hours: relative rest, ice wrapped in cloth for short spells, gentle compression and elevation, with pain relief as needed. Then the part most people skip: early gentle movement and balance work, which speeds recovery and prevents the loose, re-spraining ankle.

Weight-bearing as tolerated is encouraged; complete immobilization beyond the first days usually slows healing.

Get an X-ray decision from a professional if you cannot take four steps, or there is bone tenderness at the ankle knobs or midfoot, numbness, or deformity. An ankle still unreliable at six weeks earns physiotherapy rather than resignation.