If you have a swollen ankle, there are several things you can do to help reduce the swelling and promote healing. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling, or discomfort. Limit weight-bearing and use crutches if necessary.

2. Ice: Apply ice to the sore part of your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours while youre awake. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath, but dont apply ice directly to your skin. Use a towel or cloth for protection.

3. Compression: To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Dont wrap too tightly to avoid hindering circulation. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart.

4. Elevation: To reduce swelling, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night. Gravity helps reduce swelling by draining excess fluid.

5. Over-the-counter medications: In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.

6. Devices: Depending on the severity of the sprain, your doctor may recommend an elastic bandage, sports tape, or an ankle support brace to stabilize the ankle. Walking with a sprained ankle might be painful, so you may need to use crutches until the pain subsides.

7. Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle changes can help reduce swelling in the ankles, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.

If your symptoms are severe or not improving soon after the injury, contact your doctor. He or she may want to see you immediately if your pain and swelling are severe, or if the ankle feels numb or wont bear weight.