How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

What happens when you sprain your ankle?

Most ankle sprains happen when the foot rolls inwards, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. The ligament most often injured is the anterior talofibular ligament, which connects the ankle bone to the outer leg bone.

Sprains are graded by severity. In a mild sprain, the ligament is stretched with little instability. In a moderate sprain, it is partially torn with more swelling and bruising. In a severe sprain, it is completely torn and the ankle may feel unstable.

How long does each grade take to recover?

Recovery depends on the severity of the injury, the demands of the person's sport or work and how rehabilitation is managed. People with mild sprains often return to normal walking within days and to sport within a few weeks. Moderate and severe sprains can take considerably longer before a full return to sport.

Ligaments continue to remodel for months after pain has settled, which is one reason why re-injury is common when people return to sport before strength and balance have recovered.

Should I rest or move my ankle?

An overview of systematic reviews found strong evidence that early mobilisation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help pain, swelling and function after an acute ankle sprain, and moderate evidence supporting exercise and manual therapy 1. Prolonged immobilisation in a cast is generally not needed for most sprains.

In the first days, protecting the ankle, applying ice for short periods, compression and raising the leg can help control swelling. Walking as comfort allows, with crutches if needed, is encouraged as early as possible.

What does rehabilitation involve?

A clinical practice guideline on lateral ankle sprains recommends progressive exercise that includes range of motion, strengthening, balance and neuromuscular training, and a gradual return to sport-specific activities 2. Exercises may start with ankle circles and gentle calf stretches and progress to heel raises, resistance band exercises, single-leg balance and hopping.

Balance training on one leg, first on a firm surface and then on unstable surfaces, is particularly important because ankle sprains disturb the sense of joint position.

How can I prevent another sprain?

Recurrent ankle sprains are common, and some people develop chronic ankle instability, with repeated giving way. The overview found strong evidence for bracing and moderate evidence for neuromuscular training in preventing recurrence 1.

Continuing balance exercises after returning to sport, wearing a brace or tape during higher-risk activities for several months, and building up training load gradually help protect the ankle.

When could it be a fracture or something more serious?

Seek assessment if you cannot take four steps on the injured leg immediately or when seen by a clinician, if there is tenderness over the bony edges of the ankle or the outer midfoot, severe swelling, deformity, or numbness 2. These features may indicate a fracture.

Pain higher up the leg above the ankle, persistent swelling after several weeks, or ongoing locking and catching may indicate injuries such as a high ankle sprain or cartilage damage that need further investigation.

When can I return to sport?

Return to sport is based on meeting milestones rather than a fixed number of days. These typically include walking and running without pain or limping, near-normal strength compared with the other side, good single-leg balance and the ability to hop, cut and change direction confidently.

Returning too early increases the risk of re-injury. Sport-specific drills should be completed before full training and competition.

Frequently asked questions