Ibuprofen
Nurofen · Advil
See pricesSprain — what to take?
A sprain = a ligament injury caused by overstretching or tearing. The most common: ankle (80%), knee, wrist. Grade 1 (stretching), 2 (partial tear), 3 (complete tear).
Also known as:
twisted ankle
twisted joint
ligament injury
6
recommended OTC drugs
8,260
pharmacies available
In short: A sprain is a ligament injury caused by sudden overstretching or tearing, most often at the ankle, and is managed at first with rest, ice and compression. For pain and swelling, OTC options range from oral anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol) to topical gels such as diclofenac, arnica or heparinoid. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these products across Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet, with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; see a doctor if you cannot bear any weight on the leg.
Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.
OTC — no prescription
What you can take for sprain
Diclofenac gel
Voltaren Emulgel
See pricesNaproxen
Nalgesin
See pricesParacetamol
Panadol
See pricesArnica gel
Traumeel · Arnica Gel
See pricesHeparinoid
Lioton · Hepathrombin
See pricesInformational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.
When to see a doctor
If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:
- Complete inability to step on the limb
- Obvious deformity of the joint
- Severe progressive pain
- A noise at the moment of injury (a snap, a pop)
- Massive swelling within the first hour
- Distal numbness, absent pulse
Immediate treatment — the RICE protocol
Rest — avoid putting weight on the affected area for 24-48h. Ice — 15-20 min every 2-3h, for a maximum of 48h. Compression — elastic bandage. Elevation — raise the limb above the level of the heart.
OTC treatment
Oral NSAIDs — ibuprofen 400 mg, naproxen 500 mg for pain and inflammation. During the first 48h there is a theory that NSAIDs may slow healing — controversial; they may be used in moderation.
Topical NSAIDs — diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel 3-4 times/day.
Braces, elastic bandages — support for the joint.
Creams with arnica, heparinoid — reduce the bruising and swelling.
Paracetamol — if NSAIDs are contraindicated.
Recovery
- Days 1-3: RICE + analgesic.
- Days 3-7: passive mobilization, then light active mobilization.
- Days 7-21: progressive strengthening exercises.
- Return to sport: at full strength and without pain on specific maneuvers.
When to see a doctor/emergency care
Inability to bear weight on the limb, obvious deformity, severe progressive pain, a noise at the moment of injury (a pop), rapid massive swelling, distal numbness — all of these require an X-ray (to rule out a fracture).
Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment consult a healthcare professional.
Medicines compared
Medicines used for sprain
This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
-
Fasconal, 20 comprimate, Gedeon Richter
-
Paduden Express Forte, 400 mg, 10 capsule moi, Terapia
-
Mig 400, 400 mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Berlin-Chemie Ag
-
Caffetin, 12 comprimate, Alkaloid
-
Solpadeine, 500 mg/8 mg/30 mg, 12 comprimate efervescente, Omega Pharma
-
Synocam, 200 mg/500 mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Dr. Reddys
-
Nurofen Immedia Ultra, 400 mg, 12 drajeuri
-
Biofen Extra, 400 mg/325mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Biofarm
-
Biofen Forte, 400 mg, 16 capsule moi, Biofarm
-
Ketifexin, 50 mg granule pentru soluţie orală, 10 plicuri, Sandoz
-
Nurofen Duo Max, 200mg/500mg, 24 comprimate filmate, Reckitt Benckiser
-
Acid acetilsalicilic-Richter, 500 mg, 30 comprimate, Gedeon Richter
This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Search the pharmacy
Medicines for sprain
Beyond the OTC products listed above, you can search the comparator by active ingredient and see prices compared across Dr. Max, Catena, Tei, HelpNet and the rest of the chains in our network.
Step by step
How to find a pharmacy fast for sprain
Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For sprain most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.
If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for sprain runs over weeks.
See also
Related symptoms and conditions
Frequently asked
What else do you want to know?
- How long do I stay off a sprained leg?
- Grade 1 — 1-2 weeks. Grade 2 — 3-6 weeks. Grade 3 — 6-12 weeks, possibly surgery. RICE during the first 48h.
- Is an X-ray necessary?
- Yes, for any inability to bear weight (the Ottawa rules), deformity, pain over specific bones — to rule out a fracture.
- When can I apply ice?
- During the first 48h, 15-20 min every 2-3h. Not directly on the skin — a towel in between. Not more than 20 min at a time (risk of frostbite).
- Physiotherapy — when?
- Start with passive mobilization after 3-5 days, active exercises at 7-10 days, muscle strengthening at 2-3 weeks. Crucial for preventing recurrence.
See also
Need a medicine now?