An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries to occur to people. Whether it happens during sports, exercise, or while twisting your ankle while walking, it’s a painful circumstance that sometimes goes without proper care. Disregarded ankle sprains can lead to swelling, chronic pain, recurrent injuries, and further complications. Knowing what to do when you sprain your ankle is important. Detailed in this blog is the answer.
Signs and Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness around the ankle
- Swelling and bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Instability or weakness when standing or walking
- Pain that worsens with activity
If you’re unable to put weight on your foot or notice severe swelling or deformity, it’s important to seek medical care right away.
Immediate Care After an Ankle Sprain
Proper treatment early on can significantly decrease recovery time and increase recovery potential. There are a few things that can be done at home to help support injury healing.
Rest
Avoid putting weight on the ankle to prevent further damage.
Ice
Apply ice for 15-20 minutes consistently to reduce swelling.
Compression
Use a compression sock or ankle brace to keep ankle movement limited in order to help reduce possible inflammation and swelling.
Elevation
Keep your ankle elevated using a pillow. This will also help reduce inflammation and pain.
When At-Home Care Isn’t Enough
While mild sprains may improve with rest, many ankle injuries benefit from professional treatment. Continuing pain, instability, or repeated sprains are signs that physical therapy for an ankle sprain is needed.
Ignoring rehab can lead to:
- Chronic ankle instability
- Reduced mobility and strength
- Higher risk of re-injury
- Long-term joint issues
How Physical Therapy Helps Ankle Sprain Recovery
When it comes to ankle sprains, it’s easy to brush therapy off as unnecessary. The problem with that is if the sprain does not properly heal, you could experience chronic inflammation and chronic pain. At Ohio Sports and Spine, our doctors and therapy team create treatment plans customized to you and your injury severity.
Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Ankle Sprains:
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Improved range of motion
- Strength training
- Balance and stability
Physical therapy doesn’t just help you recover from ankle sprains; it helps you come back stronger.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are more than just simply twisting your ankle. The “sprain” means that the ligaments stretched or tore. In terms of how long it takes to heal, that depends on the severity. Mild sprains could take 1-2 weeks to heal, whereas Grade 3 sprains could be several months with structural rehab. Your orthopedic specialist and physical therapist will be able to identify the best option based on your circumstances.
Our Thoughts on Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain may seem minor, but without proper care, it can lead to long-term pain and instability. Early treatment helps support healing, and when symptoms persist, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, mobility, and balance. Addressing an ankle sprain the right way helps prevent re-injury and gets you back to your normal activities safely.
Schedule Your Ankle Sprain Evaluation
Don’t let an ankle sprain slow you down or turn into a recurring problem. Contact Ohio Sports & Spine to learn how expert physical therapy and rehabilitation can get you back on your feet.
