Ankle how long to heal

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Six orthopedic urgent cares are OPEN seven days a week! Ankle sprains are one of the most common orthopedic injuries. Each year, hundreds of sprained ankles are treated by the EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region Foot and Ankle Specialists and by our orthopedic urgent care providers. In many cases, these ankle injuries will heal with conservative treatments.

In more serious injuries, however pain, swelling, or instability may persist and more intensive treatment options may be needed. As Dr. It can happen anywhere, anytime. Viens is fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and treats patients with mild to severe ankle sprains. Patients can get injured at work, whether at a construction site or in an office. Even in cases of mild sprains, talking to your doctor about appropriate treatments should always be the first step you take.

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.

The type of treatment utilized for your case will vary depending on the type and severity of your sprain. Most likely, your treatment will involve one or more of the following:. Close consultation with an orthopedic specialist is important, as other injuries often occur along with an ankle sprain. A sprain might mask something more serious, like a fractures, stretched or torn tendons, torn ligaments, or a cartilage injury. However, do not use heat while the ankle is still swollen, as this can increase inflammation and slow healing.

Once the swelling goes down, try applying a heat pack for 15—20 minutes at a time. Some people find relief from alternating heat and ice packs. Only try this after the swelling is gone — not immediately after the injury. An injury to the ankle puts nearby muscles and other structures at risk of damage. This is especially likely if the tissues have become weak from disuse. Stretching keeps the muscles strong and limber.

It also helps more blood circulate to the area, which may help the ankle heal faster. Gently stretch the ankle by moving it in all directions at least three times each day. Try flexing the foot forward, then backward, or rolling it clockwise, then counterclockwise.

However, it is important to avoid overextending the ankle or moving it in any direction that hurts. The pain and swelling that immediately follow an ankle sprain may be severe. This can make it impossible for a person to put any weight on the joint. As the swelling goes down, walking can promote healing. Start by walking short distances within the house. Then, gradually build up to longer distances as the ankle begins to heal.

However, walking may require a person to hold the injured ankle in an unusual position or twist the body to avoid putting excess weight on the joint. If this is the case, wait 1—2 days, then try again. Exercise can restore strength and balance, while preventing the muscles in the area from weakening. This can reduce the risk of another sprain. After the swelling goes down and walking is comfortable, it may be a good idea to start exercising the ankle.

A person can try performing the following exercises for 10—15 minutes every other day:. Massage can help ease pain while promoting blood flow to the sprained area. If the injury is particularly severe or painful, a person should seek advice from a qualified massage therapist. For less severe injuries, a person can try gentle massage at home. Some people find that massaging the bottom of the foot or heel provides relief.

Others prefer to massage around or just above the ankle. Physical therapy may especially benefit anyone who experiences long-term pain following a serious sprain and anyone with a history of similar injuries. The physical therapist will use this information to create a customized exercise plan that promotes healing and eases pain. According to a popular myth, a doctor can do nothing to treat a sprain. It is true that sprains do not usually require casts and often heal on their own.

However, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommend that anyone who suspects that they have a sprain see a doctor. They may be mistaken and have a different injury that requires treatment, or they may have additional injuries, such as broken bones, which is common.

Also, a doctor can assess the severity of the sprain. You are on your morning run when you get distracted for a split second and you step off the sidewalk and awkwardly twist your ankle.

The time it takes for your ankle sprain to heal varies depending on the severity of your sprain , ranging from 1 week to a few months. Your doctor at ORTHOKnox will help diagnose your ankle sprain and create the best treatment plan to get you back up and running as soon as possible!

If no fractures are seen, treatment and time for healing depends upon the grade of the ankle sprain, with 1 being mild and 3 being more severe. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation RICE is recommended for any ankle sprain grade. Apply ice for 15—20 min a few times a day and wrap the ankle and keep it elevated to reduce swelling.