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.
– Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
– Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake. …
– Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. …
– Elevation.
Subsequently, Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
Walking on a sprained ankle is not advised. After a sprain occurs, it needs time to heal before weight-bearing. Walking or weight bearing too soon may slow healing or cause further damage.
Also, How long should you stay off a sprained ankle?
Immediate ankle sprain treatment This usually means adopting the classic RICE regimen — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If you have severe pain and swelling, rest your ankle as much as possible for the first 24–48 hours.
Is it safe to walk on a sprained ankle?
Do not walk on a sprained ankle. The inflamed tissue needs time to heal, and walking on it too soon may cause more damage. Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that can occur from playing sports or from everyday activities.
Last Review : 5 days ago.
How do I know if my sprained ankle is getting worse?
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.
How long should my ankle stay swollen after a sprain?
Grade 1 Sprain This level of sprain shouldn’t result in any instability or muscle weakness but can cause minor swelling. Grade 1 sprained ankle recovery time is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, normally closer to the two-week mark with proper treatment.
Can you walk on a sprained ankle the next day?
If you can put weight on your foot and walk immediately after having twisted your ankle, it’s very unlikely that you have broken anything. If the ligaments have only been slightly stretched, you can usually move your foot normally again after a few days. But even minor ankle sprains can be painful.
Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?
Although the first temptation might be to “walk it off,” this can cause more damage to stretched or torn ligaments and prolong recovery time. It’s important not to overdo it or get ahead of yourself: walking too soon on a sprained ankle can lead to reinjury, pain, and more chronic conditions like arthritis.
Is it better to rest a sprained ankle or walk on it?
If you have been diagnosed with a sprained ankle, you should take treatment seriously and never try to just “walk it off.” Rest and elevation are important parts of the healing process for ankle sprains, and you should not return to full activity until you have been cleared by a doctor or other medical professional.
Can I go for a walk with a sprained ankle?
An ankle sprain can range from mild to severe, depending on how badly the ligament is damaged and how many ligaments are injured. With a mild sprain, the ankle may be tender, swollen, and stiff. But it usually feels stable, and you can walk with little pain.
How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
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 rest a sprained ankle?
The first goal is to decrease pain and swelling and protect the ligaments from further injury. This usually means adopting the classic RICE regimen — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If you have severe pain and swelling, rest your ankle as much as possible for the first 24–48 hours.
What happens if you don’t stay off a sprained ankle?
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.
How long should it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
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.
What happens if you dont rest a sprained ankle?
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.
What if you keep walking on a sprained ankle?
Although the first temptation might be to “walk it off,” this can cause more damage to stretched or torn ligaments and prolong recovery time. It’s important not to overdo it or get ahead of yourself: walking too soon on a sprained ankle can lead to reinjury, pain, and more chronic conditions like arthritis.
How long does a swollen ankle last?
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 wait to walk on a sprained ankle?
Most ankle sprains without torn ligaments will have largely healed after two weeks: Even if you aren’t able to put your full weight on the foot, it usually won’t hurt much anymore. If ligaments are torn or partially torn, it can take weeks for the ankle to return to normal.
How long does a sprained ankle stay swollen and bruised?
Second-degree sprain The ankle swells and feels tender. Bruising begins three to four days after the injury. Walking may be moderately difficult. Recovery time is four to eight weeks.
[advanced_iframe use_shortcode_attributes_only=”true” src=”about:blank” height=”800″ width=”800″ change_parent_links_target=”a#link1″ show_iframe_as_layer=”external” enable_ios_mobile_scolling=”true”]
Spread the word ! Don’t forget to share.