Follow through with the RICE approach right away.

R is for Rest – If possible, don’t disturb the affected area. Although for an ankle or knee injury, that may be hard to do. An injured area will heal more quickly when it has the opportunity to rest.

I is for Ice – Swelling and pain can be reduced by putting ice on the injured area. Put it on for 10 to 15 minutes each time.

C is for compression – A nice compression can be achieved with an ace bandage wrapped around the region of injury. Make certain it is adequately tight, but amply loose for proper circulation.

E is for Elevate – It will be beneficial against swelling to elevate the injured region above the level of the heart. With a pillow, ankles and knees can be raised while supine. It may be adequate to use a sling on wrists and arms.

You can also find other effective treatments for sprains and strains.

Utilize anti-inflammatory medicine. It may be beneficial to try over the counter ibuprofen. Make certain to adhere to the label instructions.

Aromatherapy also can work well in treating sprains. One thing you might want to try is to add a few drops of herbs such as lavender, chamomile or rosemary to a cold compress before placing it on the affected area. As well, helichrysum can be administered to the area of concern. It is effective in diminishing bruises.

As far as treating sprains and strains is concerned, the most critical point is to administer first aid right away. The quicker the better to place ice on the injury and raise it.

Get medical attention if you think there is a break. Test for circulation and motion parameters. The naked eye may not detect some bone breaks. Any break will be detected easily with an x-ray.

If you are in doubt, it is better to make sure with medical treatment. Instead of letting the injury stay untreated, it is better to have it examined by a health care provider.