How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal? Recovery by Grade

01What

What happens in an ankle sprain?

The most common ankle sprain involves rolling the foot inward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, especially the anterior talofibular ligament. High ankle sprains, affecting the ligaments between the two lower leg bones, and sprains on the inner side are less common and often take longer to heal. Bruising, swelling and pain are the body’s normal healing response.

02Grades

Recovery time by grade

• Grade 1 (mild): ligament stretched, mild swelling, able to walk. Recovery typically 1–3 weeks.
• Grade 2 (moderate): partial tear, more swelling and bruising, walking painful. Recovery typically 3–6 weeks.
• Grade 3 (severe): complete tear, major swelling, instability, difficulty bearing weight. Recovery typically 2–6 months.
• High ankle sprain: often 6–12 weeks or longer.
• Returning to sport usually takes longer than returning to walking.

03First

The first few days

• Protect the ankle for a day or two; use crutches if you cannot walk comfortably.
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes every two to three hours.
• Elevate the ankle above the level of your heart when resting.
• Use a compression bandage if helpful, but remove it at night.
• Start gentle ankle movements as soon as pain allows.
• Walk on it as tolerated; early weight-bearing helps healing.
• Paracetamol or anti-inflammatories may help if suitable for you.

04Exercises

Rehabilitation exercises

• Ankle circles and alphabet: trace the letters with your toes, once or twice a day.
• Towel calf stretch: sit with the leg straight and pull a towel around the foot, 30 seconds.
• Band exercises: push the foot down, up, in and out against a resistance band, 3 × 12.
• Heel raises: on both feet, then one, 3 × 10–15.
• Single-leg balance: 30 seconds, progressing to eyes closed or a cushion.
• Hopping and agility drills once balance and strength are good.
• Balance training is one of the most effective ways to prevent re-injury.

05Support

Braces, tape and boots

For moderate sprains, a lace-up or semi-rigid brace provides support and allows earlier return to walking than plaster immobilisation. Guidelines generally recommend functional support over casts. A short period in a walking boot may be used for severe sprains. Wearing a brace or tape during sport for several months after a sprain reduces the risk of another sprain. Persistent pain on the outside of the ankle after a sprain can also come from the peroneal tendons; see peroneal tendonitis.

06Return

When can I walk, run and play sport?

• Walking: usually within days for mild sprains, one to two weeks for moderate sprains.
• Driving: when you can perform an emergency stop without pain.
• Running: when you can hop on the injured leg without pain and balance well, often 2–6 weeks.
• Sport: when you have full movement, strength and balance and can cut, jump and land confidently.
• A physical therapist can test readiness and guide a return-to-sport programme.

07Fracture

Is it a sprain or a fracture?

Doctors use the Ottawa ankle rules to decide whether an X-ray is needed: tenderness over the back edge or tip of either ankle bone, tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal or the navicular bone, or inability to walk four steps both immediately and at assessment suggest a possible fracture. If none apply, a fracture is unlikely. Persistent pain, swelling or instability after six weeks may need further assessment for cartilage or ligament damage.

08Recurrence

Preventing another sprain

• Complete your rehabilitation, including balance exercises, even after pain settles.
• Wear a brace or tape for sport for at least six months.
• Warm up before activity.
• Choose supportive footwear for your sport.
• Continue balance training as part of regular exercise.
• Repeated sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, which needs specialist assessment.

09Cases

Three common situations

• Rolled ankle on a run, walking with mild pain: likely grade 1; ice, early movement and balance work, with running in one to three weeks.
• Footballer who cannot weight-bear and has bony tenderness: needs an X-ray.
• Third sprain in a year: a structured balance and strength programme and a brace for sport are important; consider specialist assessment.

10Summary

Key points to remember

• Recovery ranges from one week to six months depending on severity.
• Early movement, weight-bearing and exercise speed recovery.
• Balance training and a brace for sport reduce recurrence.
• Inability to walk or bony tenderness needs assessment.