 [ Symptoms ] Which cream to apply if i get a sprain? [ Disease ] Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. In most cases, pain relievers â€” such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.