Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, especially for athletes and active individuals. They occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn, typically due to twisting, rolling, or an awkward landing. The healing time for an ankle sprain can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury, but proper treatment and rehabilitation can help speed up recovery and prevent further injury. It’s important not to rush your recovery time so that you can avoid complications in the future. Dr. Marissa Girolamo, Dr. Rui DeMelo, and Dr. Francisco Lago at Stamford Podiatry Group in Stamford, CT, can explain how long ankle sprains may take to heal and what the process might look like. 

Dealing With Ankle Sprains 

When dealing with an ankle sprain, it’s important to talk to your podiatrist in Stamford, CT, about healing. It's important that you give your ankle the time that it needs to heal and that you’re not rushing the process. If you get back into rigorous activity too quickly, you may risk injuring your ankle further. 

Healing times for ankle sprains depend on the severity of the injury and how well you adhere to treatment recommendations. For a mild sprain, most people recover in 1 to 3 weeks with proper care, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). You may be able to resume normal activities after a week, but it's important to avoid overexertion until fully healed. 

A moderate sprain typically takes 3 to 6 weeks to heal. During this time, you may need to wear a brace or use crutches to protect the ankle and promote healing. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and range of motion. A severe sprain can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to heal completely. In some cases, surgery may be required if the ligament is severely damaged. Extensive physical therapy is usually needed to regain strength, stability, and flexibility in the ankle. 

Contact Our Podiatrists Today 

Make sure that you follow instructions from your doctor when healing from an ankle sprain. Contact Dr. Marissa Girolamo, Dr. Rui DeMelo, and Dr. Francisco Lago at Stamford Podiatry Group in Stamford, CT, to learn more about ankle sprains and what the recovery period may entail. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (203) 323-1171.