How long does it take for a sprained ankle to stop hurting?
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.
Does a sprained ankle hurt more as it heals?
Usually, the more pain and swelling you have, the more severe your ankle sprain is and the longer it will take to heal.
How do you know your sprained ankle is healing?
To determine whether your ankle has healed enough for you to return to athletic activities, your physical therapist or doctor will evaluate your walking and weight bearing ability. They may also ask you to hop on that foot. You may need an X-ray or other diagnostic imagery to determine whether healing is complete.
Should a sprained ankle still hurt after 6 weeks?
However, if pain persists for 6 to 8 weeks or more, and does not seem to be improving, these additional studies may be required to make a proper diagnosis. One problem that may lead to long-term dysfunction and pain after an ankle sprain is instability.
Should a sprained ankle still hurt after 2 weeks?
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.
Is it bad to walk on 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.
Should a sprained ankle still be swollen after 2 weeks?
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.
How can I make my sprained ankle heal faster?
Self-care
- 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.
Is hot water good for sprained ankle?
Give your injured ankle a few days to recover after the initial injury. When the swelling goes down, you may want to warm your ankle before rehabilitation by soaking it in warm water. Warm tissues are more flexible, and less prone to injury.
Why does my sprained ankle still hurt after 8 weeks?
“An ankle sprain that lingers beyond 3 months is often an injury to a bone, tendon or ligament that is unlikely to heal without intervention,” he says. “And the longer an ankle injury persists without proper treatment, the greater the likelihood that permanent disability will result.”
Why is my sprained ankle still swollen after 8 weeks?
It’s normal for a sprained ankle to swell, sometimes for four to six weeks, or longer. But swelling that persists for more than three months may be a sign of trouble.
How long does a severe ankle sprain take to heal?
These sprains will often start to feel better within a few days to a week and resolve completely by six weeks. However, more severe ankle sprains, especially those involving multiple ligaments, may take many weeks to recover, sometimes three months or longer for a full recovery.
How to speed up recovery from a sprained ankle?
Supportive footwear: footwear with arch and heel support is good as it takes the pressure away from the injured ligaments and allows proper healing.
How to rehab a sprain ankle?
Sit down on the floor with your knee bent slightly. Loop a towel around the top of your foot. Gently pull back until you feel the stretch in your calf and heel. Do these exercises six times a day for each leg, especially after exercise or another activity. Strong leg muscles keep your ankles more stable.
How to reduce ankle swelling after a sprain?
Ice: Treating a sprain with ice can reduce pain and swelling. When you ice your ankle, make sure you use a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin and limit icing session to 10 to 15 minutes every 1 to 2 hours. Compression: An elastic bandage can bring down swelling and stabilize the joint.