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?
As 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 noted. “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 Good Treatments for a Mild Ankle Sprain?
If you have experienced a presumed mild injury to the ligaments of the ankle, simple measures can be taken to treat the injury:
- Applying RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to the injured area can relieve pain and swelling, and promote healing.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken for pain and swelling.
- Compression wraps or ankle braces can help provide support.
Even in cases of mild sprains, talking to your doctor about appropriate treatments should always be the first step you take.
Sprained Ankle Recovery Time
Recovery from a sprained ankle is a unique journey, influenced by the severity of the injury. Understanding the expected healing time is crucial for managing expectations and planning an effective recovery strategy.
- Mild sprains: 1 to 3 weeks
- Moderate sprains: 3 to 4 weeks
- Severe sprains: 3 to 6 months
How Do You Treat a More Severe Ankle Sprain?
Healing time for a sprained ankle may depend on the severity of the sprain. Research demonstrates that 1 to 2 out of 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 a period of 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 on your feet.
- If inflammation does not go away following these other measures, your doctor may prescribe steroid injections.
When is an Ankle Sprain More Than an Ankle Sprain?
Close consultation with an orthopedic specialist is important, as other injuries often occur along with sprained ankles. A sprain might occur in conjunction with fractures, stretched or torn tendons, or a cartilage injury.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then the first step is to consult with an orthopedic physician who specializes in the foot and ankle:
- Persistent swelling
- Feelings of instability
- Trouble on uneven ground
- Weakness in the ankle
- Painful catching, popping or locking
- General ankle discomfort
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may suffer from something more than an ankle sprain. If the sprain is not improving, it is always best to be proactive. Untreated conditions can worsen into chronic ankle instability, which can be debilitating in the long term. This may make arthritis of the ankle more likely, especially if the ankle is allowed to continue to deteriorate.
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.
Want to understand how long does a sprained ankle take to heal?
Contact the Triangle Region team today to schedule an appointment or call (984) 279-3659 and get answers so that you can Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Understanding and Managing Sprained Ankles
Note: This FAQ is intended for informational purposes only. For personalized advice and treatment, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
