Sprains & Strains
A rolled ankle, a tweaked wrist or a pulled muscle. In the first days, cooling and gentle support help you stay comfortable. Our Instant Relief cooling patches, Biofrost Relief gel and kinesiology tape are made for exactly that.
- Cooling patches
- Ankle support tape
- Drug-free
- Free UK delivery over £30
Cool first, support next
First few days
Cooling suits a fresh sprain or strain. Try an Instant Relief cooling patch or Biofrost Relief gel.
Shop cooling patches →Getting moving again
Kinesiology tape gives light ankle, wrist or knee support while you return to activity.
Shop ankle support tape →Lingering stiffness
Once the area no longer feels hot or swollen, warmth can help with stiffness.
Shop warming patches →Products for sprains & strains
Looking after a sprain or strain
- 1Protect and restEase off activity that makes it worse for the first couple of days.
- 2Cool the areaA cooling patch or gel can soothe a fresh sprain or strain.
- 3Raise it when you canKeeping an ankle or wrist raised can help with swelling.
- 4Return graduallyBuild back up slowly, with light tape support if it helps.
Get medical advice if you cannot put weight on it, it looks misshapen, you heard a crack or pop, the pain is severe, or it is not improving after a few days.
Sprains & strains questions
Heat or ice for a sprain?
Cooling usually suits a fresh sprain or strain in the first couple of days. Warmth is better for stiffness later, once the area no longer feels hot or swollen.
Can kinesiology tape support a sprained ankle?
It gives light support and helps with movement awareness as you return to activity. It is not a replacement for a brace if your ankle is unstable.
Where can I put a cooling patch?
On clean, dry, unbroken skin over the sore area, such as the ankle, wrist, calf or knee. Wear it for up to 12 hours.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain affects a ligament, which joins bone to bone, often at the ankle or wrist. A strain affects a muscle or tendon, such as a pulled hamstring or calf.