[tharbert]

1st degree sprains earn you a course of ice and ibuprofen. 3rd degree earns you a cast for 6 weeks. I guess a 2nd degree requires immobilization in one of those removable boots. A doctor will rule out a break and determine the severity and prescribe a course of action. For self diagnosis, immobilization allows the tendons to recover so the key is to reduce use for quicker recovery. So, rest, a cane, maybe a cloth wrap will certainly help. If you had a 3rd degree, the ankle would be BIG and probably black and blue and it's unlikely you could put any weight on it for several weeks...much like a break.

A prescription dose of ibuprofen or naproxen sodium aids in reducing swelling with an added benefit of marginal pain relief. Both are NSAIDs. Look up the pros/cons. There are BIG warnings on prolonged NSAID use. Short periods of use , several weeks, should be fine if otherwise healthy. Read the label carefully. Prescription dose is normally twice the labeled dosages for ibuprofen.

Ice, done correctly, is very effective. Ice the area for 20 minutes to lower the temp. Then, allow to warm. Warming dilates the vessels and helps the heart draw the fluids from the surrounding tissues. Do this several times a day. There is no need to ice longer than about 20 minutes unless it helps in pain relief. What you want are the cold/heat cycles.

If it's still significantly sore at the 2 week mark, your wife was right.