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 it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in one to three weeks with proper rest and non-surgical care( such as applying ice) Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks Because of limited blood flow to the ligaments of the ankle, more severe injuries may take between three and six months to heal
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
Do not walk on a sprained ankle The inflamed tissue needs time to heal, and walking on it too soon may cause more damage Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that can occur from playing sports or from everyday activities
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
How do you heal a twisted ankle fast?
RICE Rest Resting the ankle is key for healing, and wearing a brace can help stabilize the injured area Ice Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling Compression Compression helps stabilize the injured joint and may reduce swelling Elevation
What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a twisted 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 should you sleep with a sprained ankle?
Healthguidanceorg recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep Also apply some ice before going to bed to reduce inflammation
How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?
People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs SooHoo and Williams say
How can you tell if you tore a ligament in your ankle?
If you have torn your ankle ligament, symptoms include: Swelling around your ankle joint A feeling of instability Bruising – sometimes up your lower leg and into your foot Tenderness to touch Pain when putting weight on your ankle Popping sound at the time of injury
Should a sprained ankle still be swollen after a week?
This level of sprain shouldn’t result in any instability or muscle weakness but can cause minor swelling Grade 1 sprained ankle recovery time is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, normally closer to the two-week mark with proper treatment
Is hot water good for sprained ankle?
Give your injured ankle a few days to recover after the initial injury When the swelling goes down, you may want to warm your ankle before rehabilitation by soaking it in warm water Warm tissues are more flexible, and less prone to injury
Should I ice my ankle overnight?
If icing your sprained ankle provides relief, do it Use an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours for the first 72 hours This may not be appropriate for people with health conditions, such as diabetes, damage to the peripheral nervous system (peripheral neuropathy), or vascular disease
Should you wrap a sprained foot?
Compress your foot You may need to use tape or an elastic bandage to support your foot if you have a mild sprain You may need a splint on your foot for support if your sprain is severe Wear your splint for as many days as directed Elevate your foot above the level of your heart as often as you can
What’s the best home remedy for sprained ankle?
Self-care 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
What happens if a sprain is left 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
How do I know if my foot is sprained or fractured?
In general, a broken foot tends to be more painful than a sprained foot, and the pain lasts longer Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are also more severe if your foot is broken Another way to tell the difference between a broken foot and sprained foot is the sound the body makes when the injury occurs
What are the signs of a fractured ankle?
If you have a broken ankle, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms: Immediate, throbbing pain Swelling Bruising Tenderness Deformity Difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight
Is a compression sock good for a sprained ankle?
Conclusions: Compression stockings failed to significantly modify the time to return to normal painless walking in ankle sprain A beneficial effect was observed only in a subgroup of patients, as compression stockings significantly decreased the time to return to sport activity
Should you wear an ankle support for a sprained ankle?
Whether you’ve had an ankle sprain before or not, wear supportive shoes This helps prevent your foot from twisting or your ankle joint from moving out of place You may also find it helpful to wear an ankle brace when playing sports, running or jogging This may add stability to your ankle