How to Effectively Recover from a Sprained Ankle
How to Recover from a Sprained Ankle
TL;DR
If you’ve sprained your ankle, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that most sprains heal quickly.
The bad news is that ankle sprains are very common, and they can lead to other injuries. Here are things you should know about recovering from a sprained ankle:
1. How Long It Will Take to Heal
A sprain can be a mild traumatic injury or it can be a more serious ankle ligament tear. In either case, the injury will likely cause some degree of pain and swelling. Depending on the severity of the sprain, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the body to fully heal. During this time, you may need to limit your activity levels and use a crutch or support to help you walk. As long as you take care of the injury and follow your doctor's instructions, you should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.
2. How to Keep the Swelling Down
If you have a sprained ankle, your doctor will tell you to rest it and apply ice for the first few days. If the ankle is swollen, you may need to reduce the swelling with a cold pack or an ice bath. Elevation also helps reduce swelling.
3. What Kind of Physical Therapy to Expect
Physical therapy for a sprained ankle will depend on the severity of the sprain. If the sprain is mild, therapy may only involve rest and ice. More severe sprains may require crutches or a boot to be worn while healing. Physical therapy may also include exercises to build strength and flexibility in the ankle, as well as provided instruction on how to properly use the crutches or boot.
4. When You Can Expect to Start Feeling Better
The best way to determine how quickly you will heal after a sprain is to consult with a doctor. The average time for complete healing after a sprain is between two and four weeks, but it can vary based on the severity of the sprain. Most people feel much better within a few days after a sprain, though some may experience mild discomfort for a few weeks. Until the ankle has completely healed, crutches or a cane are typically necessary to help support the joint.
5. Tips for Preventing Future Injuries
Preventing future injuries in sports is key to keeping athletes healthy and enjoying the sport they love. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Always warm up before you play. Stretching and cardiovascular exercises can help your muscles and joints cope with the impact of physical activity.
- Wear the right gear. Make sure your equipment is fit for your sport and fits properly. Don’t let injuries occur because you were wearing the wrong shoes or not wearing any at all.
- Behave appropriately. If you know you’re going to be playing tough, try to keep your emotions in check. Aggression can lead to accidents on the field or court.
- Watch out for other players. Make sure you watch out for other athletes, both on and off the field. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye on who is around you.
- Use proper technique. Always use proper technique when playing your sport, whether it’s in practice or a game. This will help avoid injuries and keep the game fun for everyone involved!
If you have a sprain, do not try to fix it yourself. Go to the hospital and get it checked out. If it is severe, the doctor may put a cast on it. When the cast is removed, do not try to put weight on the ankle until it has healed completely.
Key takeaways
- How to Recover from a Sprained Ankle
- 1. How Long It Will Take to Heal
- 2. How to Keep the Swelling Down
- 3. What Kind of Physical Therapy to Expect
- 4. When You Can Expect to Start Feeling Better