Healing from sprained ankle

[DiBatista]

Just wondering from anyone who has had one how long it took them to heal from a sprained ankle. I think its been like 2 and a half weeks for me and mine still hurts alot and is still not the same shape as my other ankle. Also if there is anything besides RICE that can help it heal faster.

[Bill Hartman]

It all depends on the severity of the sprain. I'm assuming you that you've had an x-ray and a fracture has been ruled out?

If you're limping severely, you may need to reduce weight bearing (modify activities, crutches). If it's not fractured, range of motion exercises (write the alphabet with your foot, light resistive exercise without pain, etc.) and then progressive weight bearing will do it.

However, if it's been 2 weeks without change, you may benefit from formal treatment like PT.

Bill

[cappuccino]

I'm at 6-8 weeks after a sprain and still not normal. I think my ankle still looks different than the other (wee bit swollen or bigger, but not puffy). My biggest problem is pointing my toe..I can do it, but it hurts or feels like it's "caught" right by the front bottom of the ankle bone.

I was able to walk on it immediately (bear direct weight-but things like going down stairs or moving too fast would hurt it). I also think I compensate with my other leg, and when I tried running on it too soon, it hurt my knee.

So after all that rambling, our sprains sound pretty different, but I'm finding it's a pretty slow healing process.


Bill, at what point should I (we? that way I'm not hijaking ) be concerned about limited ROM (or not realy sure it's limited, just still painful to point as far as the other foot)

[UrbanUK]

I agree with the statements above but To also help your sprain into recovery, try constantantly stretching your calf muscles (long stretches - 30 - 40 seconds) and also try to include the soleus as well as the gastrocnemius. This will loosen the tension which is currently being exerted on your heel and should allow for your damaged ligament/tendon to relax and heal in a quicker time. i hope this has helped and that you recover quickly.

[BjsAust]

From the post it sounds like you havnt had it looked at yet. Go see a physio or sports doctor.

[DiBatista]

i went to the hospital the day after