How To Treat A Sprained Ankle

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain medication is typically used to help mild to moderate sprains. Several pain relievers are available through pharmacies. The three most common are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. It should be noted that naproxen sodium is popular for its ability to reduce inflammation, but it shouldn't be taken long-term because of the potential to cause organ damage. If the pain is serious, individuals should talk to a doctor about other pain management options. Pain that's too severe to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers should be investigated by a doctor anyway, as the same injuries that cause sprained ankles can also cause ankle fractures. If individuals take any medications already or have any underlying health conditions, they should talk to the pharmacist when they get the pain relievers to make sure they're safe to use. Many over-the-counter pain relievers thin the blood and make it difficult to clot, which can be dangerous if patients have a bleeding disorder or certain injuries.

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