Ankle sprains take roughly 6 weeks to heal completely, but severe cases may take up to 4 months. The actual length for your recovery will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, adherence to the treatment plan, and the initial measures taken following the sprain.
To that last point, proper first aid following an ankle sprain is essential for faster healing. After the injury has been sustained, measures to control inflammation—including icing, elevation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication—are especially important. Also, the use of the MLS laser on ankle sprains often helps quicken the healing process.
No matter the length of recovery time, it is important for the injury to be completely healed before resuming physical activity. Going back to high-impact activities before complete healing can potentially cause chronic ankle instability. This instability includes a greater risk of reinjuring the affected ankle.
Ankle sprains and fractures actually have similar symptoms, so you may want to visit us for an accurate diagnosis of your injury. Also, we can help you know when it is safe to resume your normal activities.
