If you haven't noticed the above problems, then you probably don't require immediate assessment. The common advice provided for years for an acute injury has been abbreviated to RICE:
Different injuries will require different degrees of rest. Severe injuries may require a brace or crutches. Milder injuries may require only avoiding the aggravating movements.
Although called into question for routine treatment of all injuries, in the first 48 hours ice can be the treatment of choice especially if there is a significant amount of heat and swelling in the injured area. Ice has a pain numbing effect and will reduce swelling in the area to reduce the pain in the injured area. Care should be taken when using ice on areas with poor blood flow as this can result in a delayed healing response. Maximum cooling is generally achieved within 15-20 minutes of application. Icing can be repeated as symptoms dictate.
Putting a compression bandage such as a Tensor or using a compression type brace can help to support the injured area and to reduce swelling. Your physiotherapist can help you choose the one that’s most appropriate for you and your injury.
Elevating the acute injury assists with reducing swelling. Keeping the injured area above the level of your heart when possible helps to prevent swelling from accumulating in the area This helps to reduce swelling and pain. The combination of Rest, Ice , Compression and Elevation are often abbreviated to RICE.
RICE is the most common advice given for an acute injury. The belief was that inflammation and pain need to be reduced to allow for a better outcome. This guideline has been called into question with recent evidence showing the benefit of early movement, exercise as tolerated, analgesics to treat pain and treatment focused on improving blood flow to the injured tissues and restoring early movement. This combination of Movement, Exercise, Analgesics and Treatment is abbreviated to MEAT. Research shows a faster improvement with symptoms and earlier return to play with the MEAT protocol for ankle sprains.