As you might guess, the answer to how long a sprained ankle takes to heal largely depends on the severity of the injury. However, there are habits and treatments that can help speed recovery, as well as things that could slow it down or complicate your recovery.
Severity of ankle sprains
An ankle sprain is, generally speaking, damage to ligament fibers in the ankle joint. The more damage, the more severe the injury and, often, the more intense the symptoms.
Grade 1 sprain
A grade 1 sprain is the least severe. It involves over-stretching or miniscule tearing of the ankle ligaments. While the joint may feel tender and slightly swollen, you’ll likely have full or near-full mobility.
Grade 2 sprain
Moderate sprains fall under grade 2 and involve partial tearing of the ligaments. These injuries often come with noticeable swelling, discoloration, and instability in the ankle.
Grade 3 sprain
The most severe sprains, grade 3 injuries, involve a complete tear of the ligament. Symptoms will include moderate to severe pain, swelling, and bruising, and you may find it nearly impossible to put weight on the affected ankle.
How long will a sprained ankle hurt?
The presence of symptoms after an ankle sprain can be different for everyone, but generally follow the common sense that the more severe the injury, the longer and more painful it will be to heal.
For mild sprains, pain and other symptoms can last for up to two weeks, although you may be tempted to return to full activity sooner, which can delay the healing process.
For grade 2 sprains, it’s often recommended to seek treatment from a physical therapist, which you can do without the need for a doctor’s referral first. They will help you identify the best way to help your ankle heal after evaluating the severity of the injury. Most people go through a physical therapy program for up to 6 weeks before returning to full activity.
The most severe sprains require the longest healing time. With early intervention and close adherence to at-home treatment guidelines, severe sprains may heal in within 3-4 months.
It’s important to mention that even though the pain may get better sooner than you expected, this doesn’t mean the ankle is fully healed. Pain is not a perfect predictor of the ligament healing process, so always follow your physical therapist’s instructions when considering returning to activity or stopping at-home exercises.
What helps to heal a sprained ankle?
The key to reducing ankle sprain recovery time lies in applying the right treatments at the right time. A combination of at-home care and professional support can help you minimize discomfort and speed up recovery.
At-home care for ankle sprains
Mild to moderate ankle sprains can usually be managed effectively at home with proper care. The RICE method is a common recommendation for those recovering from mild injuries of all kinds on their own. RICE stands for:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle for at least 48 hours.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Use an elastic or ACE bandage to provide support and minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above heart level to help reduce inflammation.
In addition to these general pain relief and treatment techniques, follow the mobility stretches and exercises assigned to you by your physical therapist. They may also recommend wearing certain types of supportive shoes or even using devices like crutches when needed to keep your ankle protected as it heals.
Physical therapy for a sprained ankle
While at-home care can be effective for minor sprains, physical therapy often plays a critical role in recovering from moderate to severe injuries. Some of the treatment methods that may be utilized depending on your injury include:
- Joint mobilization
- Therapeutic exercises
- Personalized recovery plans (getting back to normal routine)
- Sport-specific guidance
- Injury prevention tips
Even though early intervention is helpful, it doesn’t mean that we won’t accept patients after a certain time period. No matter when your ankle started hurting, it’s always a good time to visit Franklin Rehabilitation to feel better for good.
Physical therapy can help heal an ankle sprain
Recovering from an ankle sprain doesn’t have to be a long or overwhelming process. With the right mix of rest, at-home care, and professional therapy, you may be able to improve your ankle sprain recovery time and prevent issues from lingering. Get the rehabilitation you need to live life with less pain by calling Franklin Rehab or by requesting your evaluation online today.
