Ankle sprains are one of the most common orthopedic injuries. Each year, thousands of sprained ankles are treated by the EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region Foot & Ankle specialists and by our orthopedic urgent care providers. If you experience a rolled ankle, you may ask, “How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?”
In many cases, these ankle injuries will heal with conservative treatments. For more serious injuries, pain, swelling, or instability may persist. In that event, more intensive treatment options may be needed.
How Do Ankle Sprains Happen?
Dr. Nicholas Viens, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Durham and Chapel Hill, explains, “It’s not just a sports injury. It can happen anywhere, anytime.”
Common causes include:
- Sudden, unnatural movements
- Traumatic injuries
- Extreme overuse/fatigue
If you suspect an ankle sprain, watch out for:
- Pain and swelling
- Limited mobility
- Instability
Dr. Viens is fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and frequently treats patients with mild to severe ankle sprains. “People can sprain their ankles walking down the sidewalk, running on a trail, stepping out of a car, or carrying a child and not noticing a toy on the ground,” he notes. “Patients can get injured at work, whether at a construction site or in an office.”
So how long for a sprained ankle to heal, and what kinds of treatments are appropriate for a mild sprain?
What Are Sprain Grades and Their Symptoms?
Ankle sprains are often categorized into three grades based on severity:
- Grade 1 (Mild): This involves minor stretching or microscopic tearing of ligament fibers. Symptoms may include slight pain, swelling, and stiffness. Most people can still bear weight on the affected ankle.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): This occurs when the ligament is more significantly torn, resulting in moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Walking may be difficult without support.
- Grade 3 (Severe): This is a complete ligament tear, causing more severe pain, swelling, bruising, and, most notably, ankle instability. Walking is frequently difficult without assistance.
How Long Does a Twisted Ankle Take To Heal?
Recovery time varies depending on the grade of the sprain:
- Grade 1: 1 to 3 weeks
- Grade 2: 3 to 4 weeks
- Grade 3: 3 to 6 months
Factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the injury can influence healing. Following a structured treatment plan is key to achieving the best outcomes. The “grade“ of the ankle sprain is often less important to focus on than whether or not the ankle has become unstable from the injury. Dr. Viens explains, “At the end of the day, we want the ankle ligaments that have been injured/torn to heal under the correct tension so that the ankle is stable again.”
How Do You Treat a More Severe Ankle Sprain?
Healing time for a sprained ankle may depend on the severity of the sprain. Research shows that 1 to 2 in 10 people with severe ankle sprain experience chronic ankle instability. Ankle instability leaves the ankle at a much higher risk for unexpected ankle twists and even post-traumatic ankle arthritis.
The type of treatment utilized for your case will vary depending on the type and severity of your sprain. Most likely, your treatment will involve one or more of the following:
- For more severe ankle sprains, immobilization is often needed. Your doctor may fit you in a boot or prescribe crutches for some time to limit excess movement of the ankle joint and to allow the ankle to heal with the appropriate ligament tension.
- Physical therapy is often an integral part of treating an ankle sprain. Physical therapists work with you as a team to build back strength, range of motion, stability, and confidence in your feet.
- If inflammation does not go away following these other measures, your doctor may prescribe steroid injections.
Grade 1: Mild Sprains
For mild sprains, the following conservative treatments are typically effective:
- RICE: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation help alleviate pain and swelling while promoting healing.
- Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce discomfort.
- Support: Compression wraps or ankle braces provide additional stability.
Grade 2: Moderate Sprains
Moderate sprains may require more intensive treatments, such as:
- Immobilization: Using a boot or brace to limit movement and support healing.
- Physical Therapy: Guided exercises to restore strength, range of motion, and stability.
- Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory options as needed.
Grade 3: Severe Sprains
Severe sprains often necessitate advanced interventions:
- Immobilization: Prolonged use of a boot or crutches to prevent further injury.
- Physical Therapy: A crucial component of recovery, focusing on rebuilding strength and stability.
- Surgical Intervention: In cases of chronic instability or extensive damage, ligament reconstruction or minimally invasive arthroscopy may be required.
Factors Influencing Recovery Time
Several factors affect how long it takes for a sprained ankle to heal:
- Age: Older individuals may heal more slowly due to decreased tissue elasticity.
- Overall Health: Conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can delay healing.
- Severity of Injury: More severe sprains naturally require longer recovery times.
When Is an Ankle Sprain More Than a Sprain?
An ankle sprain can mask other injuries, such as fractures, torn tendons, or cartilage damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent swelling
- Instability or weakness
- Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
- Catching, popping, or locking sensations
Diagnostic imaging, like an MRI, can help identify underlying conditions requiring treatment.
Sprained Ankle Recovery Time: How long does a sprained ankle last?
Recovery is a journey influenced by the injury’s severity and adherence to treatment. Mild sprains heal relatively quickly, while severe sprains may take months. Chronic ankle instability, a common complication, underscores the importance of early and effective intervention.
Treating Serious Ankle Injuries
Diagnostic imaging may be the next step in determining the best method to treat your ankle. With an MRI, an orthopedic provider can work with you to develop an approach to treating any underlying conditions or extensive injuries.
“Sometimes, surgery is necessary,” explains Dr. Viens. The procedure can be anything from minimally invasive arthroscopy to a ligament reconstruction. Chronic ankle instability occurs when ligaments and tissue are insufficient to stabilize the ankle.
In these cases, they must be re-tensioned or even rebuilt. Advanced technology and a better understanding of ankle ligaments have enabled EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region to offer procedures to reconstruct the ligaments to restore ankle stability anatomically.
Conclusion
Understanding “how long it takes for a sprained ankle to heal” involves recognizing the injury’s severity, following appropriate treatments, and consulting specialists when needed. If you are struggling with a sprain or related symptoms, the EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region team is here to help you Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better. Want to know more about sprained ankle recovery time? Contact the Triangle Region team today to schedule an appointment or call for answers tailored to your needs.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Understanding and Managing Sprained Ankles
Q: What are the signs of a sprained ankle?
A: Look out for common signs such as pain, swelling, limited mobility, and instability. If you experience any of these, consult a healthcare professional.
Q: Can you walk on a sprained ankle?
A: Walking might be possible in mild cases, but assessing the severity is essential. Severe sprains may require immobilization with a boot or crutches. Being able to walk on an injured ankle does not necessarily determine the severity of the injury.
Q: How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?
A: Healing time for sprained ankles varies. Mild sprains may recover in 1 to 3 weeks, while moderate sprains may take 3 to 4 weeks. Severe sprains may take 3 to 6 months.
Q: How can I speed up my sprained ankle recovery?
A: Practice the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation), take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and use compression wraps. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Q: What are the do’s and don’ts after spraining an ankle?
A: Do rest, apply ice, compress, and elevate (RICE). Do not ignore persistent swelling or instability; seek medical attention.
Q: When should I consult an orthopedic specialist for an ankle sprain?
A: Consult a specialist if you experience persistent swelling, feelings of instability, trouble on uneven ground, weakness in the ankle, or general discomfort.
Q: How does physical therapy aid in ankle sprain recovery?
A: Physical therapy focuses on rebuilding strength, range of motion, stability, and confidence on your feet. Physicians often recommend it for effective recovery.
Q: How are more severe ankle sprains treated?
A: Treatment varies but may include immobilization with a boot or crutches, physical therapy, and, in some cases, steroid injections if inflammation persists.
Q: When is an ankle sprain more than just an ankle sprain?
A: Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent symptoms. A presumed sprain might represent injuries like fractures, torn tendons, or cartilage injuries.
Q: Is surgery necessary for ankle sprains?
A: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, ranging from minimally invasive arthroscopy to ligament reconstruction procedures to address chronic ankle instability.
Q: How is chronic ankle instability treated?
A: Chronic instability may require anatomic reconstruction of ligaments. Advanced technology allows for procedures that recreate ligaments to provide enhanced stability and function, helping patients return to their regular activities with improved mobility and reduced pain. Treatment plans may also include physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification to support recovery and prevent future injuries.
Note: This FAQ is intended for informational purposes only. For personalized advice and treatment, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
