Treatment
- 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.
How long should I wait to exercise after sprained ankle?
Depending on the severity of your injury, you can begin intermediate exercises 3-7 days after your injury or when any swelling and pain begin to subside. How long this phase lasts is also based on your unique injury. You can start performing light ankle exercises to promote better ankle flexibility and strength.
Is it OK to exercise on a sprained ankle?
For minor or moderate sprains, most people can start exercising their sprained ankle after a few days of rest. Simple motion exercises and strength training are essential to help the ankle heal properly.
What exercises help a sprained ankle?
Push your foot outward against a wall or a piece of furniture that doesn’t move. Hold for about 6 seconds, and relax. Repeat 8 to 12 times. After you feel comfortable with this, try using rubber tubing looped around the outside of your feet for resistance.
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained ankle? – Related Questions
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
While it is possible to walk on a sprained ankle, it isn’t recommended. Walking on a sprained ankle can delay the healing process and increase your risk for complications. Ankle pain, instability, and arthritis are common complications of a sprained ankle.
Should I massage sprained ankle?
Massaging your ankle after a sprain may help reduce pain and swelling, but you also want to be careful. Do not continue massaging your ankle if the pain or swelling seems to worsen. You may have a serious injury that requires professional medical care, so you want to be vigilant about changes to your ankle.
Do stretches help a sprained ankle?
After the initial pain and swelling from your ankle sprain have subsided (usually within 5-7 days) and you can tolerate weight on your foot, you can begin stretching exercises in stages. The goal of these exercises is to restore your ankle’s range of motion.
How long do sprained ankles last?
Most ankle sprains need only a period of protection to heal. The healing process takes about four weeks to six weeks. The acronym R.I.C.E is a good way to remember what to do: Rest your ankle by not walking on it.
Should I stretch a sprained ankle?
Place your injured ankle about one step back and your good foot forward. Keeping your back heel flat on the floor, slowly bend the knee of your good leg until you feel a moderate stretch in the calf on your injured side. Repeat this 3 times, holding for 30 seconds.
Is it better to rest a sprained ankle or walk on it?
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.
How do you rehab your ankle?
Try the following simple range-of-motion exercises:
- Trace the alphabet with your toe, which encourages ankle movement in all directions. Trace the alphabet 1 to 3 times.
- Sit in a chair with your foot flat on the floor. Slowly move your knee side to side while keeping your foot pressed flat. Continue for 2 to 3 minutes.
Should you wrap a sprained ankle overnight?
Compression — Wrapping a stretchable elastic bandage around your foot and ankle can help minimize swelling after injury. If you’re going to wrap your ankle, it is best to put the bandage on first thing in the morning, and then take it off at bedtime.
What helps ligaments heal faster?
5 Treatment Solutions for Your Ligament Injury
- Rest. The generally accepted wisdom on how to initially treat a ligament injury can be summed up in one acronym: RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Reduce Swelling.
- Ligament Injections.
- PRP Therapy.
- Balance Training.
Is hot water good for sprained ankle?
Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
So, typically, ice decreases blood flow to an area, which causes less swelling, whereas heat will bring blood flow to an area which can cause more swelling. Usually, in the first two to three days after an injury, we would recommend ice only.
Can a sprained ankle heal in 2 days?
After 2 to 3 days
protocol, a mild sprain will be mostly healed and ready for you to resume normal activity. A moderate or severe sprain may require you to keep up these treatment steps for longer—up to several weeks.
What does a Grade 1 sprain look like?
Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising.
How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?
3 Grades of Ankle Sprains
- Grade 1: Your ankle will probably feel sore and may be slightly swollen. In this case, the ligament has been overstretched but not torn.
- Grade 2: You have a partial tear in the ligament. This causes prolonged pain and swelling.
- Grade 3: This is a full tear of the ankle ligament.
What is the difference between a rolled ankle and a sprained 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.
What happens if a sprained ankle goes untreated?
If they’re left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis. Don’t delay treatment. Sprains should be immobilized quickly, with the ankle ligaments in a stable position.
Do I need crutches for a sprained ankle?
Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area for 48 to 72 hours, so you may need to use crutches. A splint or brace also may be helpful initially. But don’t avoid all activity. Even with an ankle sprain, you can usually still exercise other muscles to minimize deconditioning.
Do sprained ankles need boots?
You may walk on your foot as pain allows. If you have been provided with a boot you should use this when mobilising. It is for comfort only and is not needed to aid healing. If you have not been given a boot, you should wear supportive footwear instead, such as trainers or walking boots.
Is it better to limp or use crutches?
This will allow for a gradual progression back to longer periods of walking unaided and will minimise discomfort and the temptation to limp. It is better to walk better with a crutch than it is to walk badly without.
