Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in
one to three weeks
with proper rest and non-surgical care( such as applying ice). Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks. Because of limited blood flow to the ligaments of the ankle, more severe injuries may take between three and six months to heal.
How long should you stay off a sprained ankle?
Mild sprains typically begin to feel better in a few days to a week and heal
by six weeks
. More severe ankle sprains could take more than a few weeks or months to fully recover. Severe sprains may cause excruciating pain, crutches may be needed. A return to regular activities may be delayed for weeks or months.
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
Walking: Did you know that walking can promote healing for a sprained ankle? In the first few days, you should stay off the foot. As the swelling decreases and the ankle starts to heal,
short distance walking can be good
for your recovery. Start slowly and gradually build up your distance and endurance.
How can I make my sprained ankle heal faster?
- Rest. Resting the ankle is key for healing, and wearing a brace can help stabilize the injured area. …
- Ice. Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling. …
- Compression. Compression helps stabilize the injured joint and may reduce swelling. …
- Elevation.
Can an ankle sprain heal in 3 days?
protocol,
a mild sprain will be mostly healed
and ready for you to resume normal activity. A moderate or severe sprain may require you to keep up these treatment steps for longer—up to several weeks.
Can walking on a sprained foot make it worse?
Yes
. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.
Can a sprained ankle get worse?
If your symptoms last more than a week without getting better, or if they seem to be getting worse and are accompanied by a fever, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. More severe sprains should be treated by a healthcare provider.
What happens if a sprain is left untreated?
A sprained ankle can turn into a
serious chronic instability
if left untreated. When you leave torn ligaments to heal on their own, they can fuse together haphazardly and form weak, inflexible scar tissue. Your range of motion can suffer tremendously, resulting in difficulty walking for the long term.
Should I go to the hospital for a sprained ankle?
Go to
urgent care
if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.
Should you keep a sprained ankle wrapped overnight?
You should apply a compression bandage as soon as a sprain occurs. Wrap your ankle with
an elastic bandage
, such as an ACE bandage, and leave it on for 48 to 72 hours. Wrap the bandage snugly, but not tightly.
How do I know my sprained ankle is healed?
Most ankle sprains heal with no problems. You should
feel much better after 2 weeks
. Up to a third of people still have some pain after a year. Once the swelling has gone down and you can walk without pain, you can probably start exercises to build flexibility and strength.
How do you sleep comfortably with a sprained ankle?
Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so
place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep
. Also apply some ice before going to bed to reduce inflammation.
How long after a sprain can I walk?
If it is not too painful to walk on your ankle immediately after an injury it’s a good sign that you don’t have severe ligament or bone damage. Take it easy for the first
24 to 72 hours
.
How long does a foot stay swollen after a sprain?
Typically, swelling will reside naturally
within two weeks
of the injury, even with more severe ankle sprains. If severe swelling occurs after this, you may want to consult your doctor for an ankle injury.
What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a twisted ankle?
A sprained ankle is
similar to a twisted ankle
but to a greater degree. When you sprain your ankle, it means you have stretched, and possibly even torn, the ligaments of your ankle. If your ankle is swollen, bruised and painful after you twist it, then you have most likely sprained it.
