Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains

If the injured area is unusually painful, you may want to see your physiotherapist. We want to rule out fractures and reduce the risk of reoccurring sprains. Constant aching, night pain, and inability to bear weight could be signs of a fracture. But you should see a physician before self-diagnosing and panicking. 

The healing time for a sprain varies significantly, primarily depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, the healing period for most sprains spans from two to six weeks. During this recovery phase, the primary goals include several key steps aimed at ensuring a safe and effective return to normal activities or sports. Initially, managing inflammation is crucial; this involves reducing swelling and minimizing pain around the affected area, which is essential for kick-starting the healing process.

Subsequently, the focus shifts towards regaining strength in the injured limb. This step is fundamental because strength is a cornerstone for both stability and function. Alongside strength, restoring the range of motion is another vital goal. This ensures that the joint or muscle affected by the sprain can move freely and without discomfort, which is crucial for performing everyday tasks and sports-related activities.

Finally, the restoration of muscle control and endurance rounds off the recovery objectives. Muscle control is about retraining the body to move in a controlled and efficient manner, which helps prevent re-injury. Endurance, on the other hand, relates to the muscle’s ability to perform activities over time without succumbing to fatigue. Achieving these goals not only marks the completion of the healing process but also signifies that the individual is ready to resume their sports activities or day-to-day life without the risk of re-injury.

An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments in your ankle. Treatment includes resting your ankle, applying ice, compression and elevation (RICE), and taking over-the-counter pain relief if needed. If your ankle is severely swollen or you can’t bear weight on it, see a doctor.

There are three grades of ankle sprains. Grade 1 ankle sprains are light injuries that usually allow the return to sport in 2-3 weeks. Grade 2 sprains involve greater injury to the ligament and can take up to 4-6 weeks to allow a full return to sport. Grade 3 sprains are more severe and often involve full tearing of the ligament and possible bone fracture.

An ankle sprain is a common injury that can occur when you fall or twist your ankle. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, and stiffness. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion and therefore are not able to properly stabilize the ankle.

An ankle sprain is an injury where the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn. Ankle sprains can happen when you twist your ankle, when you land awkwardly after a jump, or when you wear high heels. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.