Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries. They happen when you turn your foot too far inwards or outwards, causing it to twist with a force that exceeds its natural strength. If left untreated, ankle sprains can lead to more serious problems such as cartilage damage and chronic pain. The severity of the sprain can affect how long it takes. You’ll also want to know what type of treatment you’ve been given and whether or not you’ve rested enough. Below shows how long a sprained ankle heals depending on the severity:
A mild ankle sprain can heal in as little as seven days. However, it’s necessary to rest for at least two weeks before trying any physical activity again because the ankle needs time to recover. The injury will normally be accompanied by swelling and bruising that usually lasts around three or four days.
A moderate ankle sprain can take around one to three months for complete recovery. This is due to the ligaments being torn. If you’re unable to bear weight on your ankle after spraining it, then this injury will be classified as a moderate sprain. You’ll need at least six weeks before walking with an orthopedic boot or cast and physical therapy.
This type of sprain usually takes about three to five months for full recovery if surgery wasn’t necessary during treatment; though some cases may require surgical repair because of extensive damage- which adds up to four more weeks until everything has healed enough again if deemed safe by medical professionals who are experienced in these kinds of injuries that happen frequently through regular exercise, sports activities, and simply playing around outside or on the dance floor.
Ankle sprains are usually not serious, but they can be painful. When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments in your foot that connect to your shin bone or tibia become stretched and may tear when they’re put under pressure again. These injuries need to heal properly so it doesn’t happen again. Get in touch with us if we can help assist during this difficult time by providing information about treatments or equipment needed for recovery.
Injuries to the foot and ankle are among one of the most frequently occurring musculoskeletal injuries. The ankle can be injured doing fairly simple tasks such as walking on uneven surfaces, but it’s usually more severe when people play sports; sprains or fractures often result from these activities. Dr. Stephen Chen is a specialist in treating foot and ankle injuries for athletes and active adults throughout the San Francisco East Bay Area. He provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
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stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com