Take aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium as directed on the product label for pain and inflammation. (Take with food or milk to prevent stomach irritation.)
[Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless a doctor tells you to.] Acetaminophen will help pain, but not inflammation.
Also note for specific areas of the body
Remove rings right away if you have sprained a finger or other part of your hand. (If swelling occurs, the rings may have to be cut off.)
Use crutches for a badly sprained ankle. Crutches keep you from putting weight on the ankle which could cause further damage. Using them will help speed healing.
