Depending on the severity of the injury, she advises patients to avoid any impact on the injured ankle, including running and other athletic pursuits, for four-to-six weeks before gradually working up to previous levels.
How long will I be off work with a sprained ankle?
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.
Should I go to work with a sprained ankle?
Because ankle sprains are incredibly localized, meaning they don’t interfere with the rest of your body or your ability to think, you should be able to work around the injury as long as you remember to continue treatment while at work .
How long should you stay off a sprained foot?
Most minor-to-moderate injuries will heal within 2 to 4 weeks . More severe injuries, such as injuries that need a cast or splint, will need a longer time to heal, up to 6 to 8 weeks.
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.
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.
Will 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.
What is the fastest way to heal a midfoot sprain?
Rest (you may need crutches if your pain is extreme) Ice the affected area intermittently throughout the day. Elevate the foot as much as you can to decrease swelling.
Can you still walk on a sprained foot?
If you’re wondering, “Can I walk on a sprained foot?”, the answer is no! Refrain from walking on your foot to aid healing . Ice:Apply ice to your injury for about 20 minutes every three hours.
What is the difference between a rolled ankle and a sprained ankle?
When you roll your ankle you stretch or tear one or more of the ligaments around your ankle. Ankle sprains range from mild to extreme severity . Sometimes you might simply lose your balance, lightly roll your ankle and only experience minimal pain that subsides quickly.
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.
How do you know if ankle injury is serious?
People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.
What does a Grade 2 ankle sprain look like?
Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising . Although it feels somewhat stable, the damaged areas are tender to the touch and walking is painful.
What helps a 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.
Does a sprained ankle get worse overnight?
Pain from a sprained ankle is usually persistent — it won’t just go away on its own in a few hours or by the next day. Other symptoms of a sprained ankle include: Swelling of your ankle joint.
How long does a sprained foot stay swollen?
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.
