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.
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.
When should you start rehabbing a sprained ankle?
Start rehab with range-of-motion exercises in the first 72 hours after your injury. Continue with further rehab, including stretching, strength training, and balance exercises, over the next several weeks to months. You can do rehab exercises at home or even at the office to strengthen your ankle.
Is walking on a sprained ankle good?
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.
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained ankle? – Related Questions
How long should I stay off a sprained ankle?
Getting Active. The pain and swelling of an ankle sprain most often gets better within 48 hours. After that, you can begin to put weight back on your injured foot. Put only as much weight on your foot as is comfortable at first.
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.
What position is best for sprained ankle?
Treatment
- Rest your ankle by not walking on it.
- Ice should be immediately applied. It keeps the swelling down.
- Compression dressings, bandages, or ace-wraps immobilize and support the injured ankle.
- Elevate your ankle above your heart level as much as possible for the first 48 hours.
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.
Should I rub a 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.
What happens if I don’t rest my 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.
Walk or put weight on your sprained foot as long as it does not hurt. If your doctor gave you a splint or immobilizer, wear it as directed. If you were given crutches, use them as directed. For the first 2 days after your injury, avoid hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs.
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 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.
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.
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.
How long should you keep an ankle wrapped?
This will keep the ligaments and joint in place while they heal. It limits motion, provides protection, and helps reduce pain. You may need to wear it for 2 to 6 weeks. Your doctor may also refer you to physical therapy.
