How long will a sprained ankle stay swollen? (2024)

How long will a sprained ankle stay swollen?

The swelling associated with a sprained ankle can last anywhere from 2 weeks up to 2 months, depending on the severity of the injury.

How long can a sprained ankle remain swollen?

One important thing to keep in mind is that ankle swelling can last 2-3 months after the injury, even if the pain has completely gone away. Compression socks can alleviate the swelling, but time is the best medicine. More severe ankle sprains may require additional treatment.

Why is my sprained ankle swelling not going down?

Lingering inflammation, scar tissue, or a partly torn ligament can occur in the hollow place in the side of the anklebone called the sinus tarsi (sinus in Latin means hollow or sunken and the tarsus is the ankle). This is the most common cause of the sprained ankle that won't heal.

Why does a sprained ankle stay swollen so long?

If you have sprained your ankle and despite conservative therapy are still having swelling and pain this is an important warning sign. Persistent swelling is an indication that there is underlying irritation and joint dysfunction. Most likely your continued ankle swelling is due to joint instability.

How many days should you rest a swollen ankle?

The first goal is to decrease pain and swelling and protect the ligaments from further injury. This usually means adopting the classic RICE regimen — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If you have severe pain and swelling, rest your ankle as much as possible for the first 24–48 hours.

Can a sprained ankle still be swollen after 2 weeks?

Healing times

Ankle sprains will usually heal within a few weeks with conservative management. Swelling and bruising may still be present for up to 10 days. the first 4-6 weeks.

Can a sprained ankle cause permanent swelling?

An ankle sprain may result in damage to the surface of the ankle joint or to structures around the ankle joint. This could lead to the development of persistent pain and swelling in the ankle, which does not settle despite a course of physiotherapy or rest.

Can I walk on sprained ankle if its still swollen?

Getting Active. The pain and swelling of an ankle sprain most often gets better within 48 hours. After that, you can begin to put weight back on your injured foot. Put only as much weight on your foot as is comfortable at first.

What reduces swelling in a sprained ankle?

Initial Treatment

Apply ice on the ankle for 30 minutes, then remove the ice for 30 minutes. Never use a chemical ice pack (“blue ice”) because it can freeze the skin. Continue icing for 24 to 72 hours. To reduce swelling, compress the foot and ankle by wrapping with an Ace bandage.

When should I worry about a swollen sprained ankle?

Sudden pain, swelling, trouble walking, and other symptoms can signal a need for medical attention. Waiting too long can lead to repeat injuries, more complex treatments, worse long-term results, and even arthritis.

How long should swelling last?

After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last as long as three months as the body attempts to heal itself. If the swelling lasts longer than this, your physical therapist or doctor may need to take a closer look to determine the cause of the delayed healing.

Should you keep walking on a swollen ankle?

The answer that most medical professionals may give you is no. In fact, suggest that immobilizing the foot and limiting weight-bearing activities for up to two weeks is the best course of action for a newly sprained ankle.

Does sleep help a swollen ankle?

Research has shown that sleep can help aid in tissue, wound and painful healing. The growth hormone needed for tissue regeneration and repair is secreted during sleep. Let's first break down what sleep is and how it impacts your body. Sleep occurs in two different stages.

Should you keep moving a swollen ankle?

Don't do anything that could aggravate your injury or cause you further harm. In such a time, your first instinct should be to protect the injured area. Second, “rest” suggests that you limit your walking and moving around. If you can't avoid walking, try to use crutches or a cane.

How do I know what grade my ankle sprain is?

Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising.

Should you rotate a sprained ankle?

Gently stretch the ankle by moving it in all directions at least three times each day. Try flexing the foot forward, then backward, or rolling it clockwise, then counterclockwise. However, it is important to avoid overextending the ankle or moving it in any direction that hurts.

How do I know if I tore a ligament in my ankle?

“A torn ligament is considered a severe sprain that will cause pain, inflammation, bruising and result in ankle instability, often making it difficult and painful to walk.

Why is my sprained ankle still swollen and painful after 4 weeks?

If pain continues for more than 4 to 6 weeks, you may have a chronic ankle sprain. Activities that tend to make an already sprained ankle worse include stepping on uneven surfaces and participating in sports that require cutting actions or rolling and twisting of the foot.

Why is my ankle still swollen?

Ankles can become swollen for many different reasons, such as an injury, an infection, heart disease, or pregnancy. In most cases, swelling is due to injury or edema. The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly common in the lower leg, ankles, and feet.

Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?

While it is possible to walk on a sprained ankle, it isn't recommended. Walking on a sprained ankle can delay the healing process and increase your risk for complications. Ankle pain, instability, and arthritis are common complications of a sprained ankle.

How many days should you ice a sprained ankle?

Try to ice the area as soon as possible after the injury and continue to ice it for 15 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day, for the first 48 hours or until swelling improves. If you use ice, be careful not to use it too long, as this could cause tissue damage. Compress the area with an elastic wrap or bandage.

Why is my sprained ankle not healing?

When an ankle sprain will not heal, there could be something else going on. It is quite common to experience other injuries alongside an ankle sprain. A sprain might mask a more serious ankle condition like a fracture, stretched or torn tendons, torn ligaments, or a cartilage injury.

When should you get an MRI for a sprained ankle?

Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan to help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, particularly if they don't improve after four to six weeks. It may be ordered to detect stress fractures in the foot or a cartilage or tendon injury, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a sprain.

Is it good to massage a swollen sprained ankle?

Massaging your ankle after a sprain may help reduce pain and swelling, but you also want to be careful. Do not continue massaging your ankle if the pain or swelling seems to worsen. You may have a serious injury that requires professional medical care, so you want to be vigilant about changes to your ankle.

What is the best anti-inflammatory for ankle sprain?

Most doctors recommend anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), naproxen (brand name: Aleve), or ketoprofen (brand name: Orudis KT). You can also take acetaminophen for pain (brand names: Tylenol, Datril, Panadol), although this medicine is not an anti-inflammatory.

What does the ER do for a sprained ankle?

How will your ER or urgent care clinician treat your ankle sprain? Your provider will recommend the home care measures listed above (R.I.C.E., over-the-counter pain medication). In addition, they may: Provide you with an ankle brace or bandage.

How do you know if a sprained ankle is worse?

As a general rule, the more pain and swelling you have with your sprain, the more serious it is, and the longer it may take to heal. If you notice the symptoms of a more severe sprain, you should see your healthcare provider for treatment.

How do you know if your sprained ankle is getting worse?

Things that suggest a severe injury include: your ankle is so painful you cannot bear any weight on it. the ankle seems deformed. the skin over the ankle is broken.

How do you know if a swelling is healing?

The area may be swollen, sore, and red in color right after you've sustained your injury. This is normal as blood is being sent to the area to supply oxygen and other nutrients for healing. But if the wound is still red and swollen after five days, it's a sign that your body is not healing correctly.

When should swelling start going down?

Typically, we will see edema go down about two weeks after an injury or surgery. However, for some people, it may take months [1]. For those who are continuing to see edema, their therapist may recommend treatments to help decrease and prevent additional swelling.

What makes swelling go down fast?

What makes ankle swelling worse?

Common causes of swollen ankles, feet and legs

standing or sitting in the same position for too long. eating too much salty food. being overweight. being pregnant.

Should you wrap a swollen ankle overnight?

Compression: An elastic bandage can bring down swelling and stabilize the joint. Wrap it snugly, but not so tight that it causes numbness or tingling. And remove or significantly loosen it when you go to bed at night.

Should you wrap a swollen ankle at night?

The bandage should provide a snug compression, but not restrict blood flow. Please remove compression bandages at night while sleeping. for best results. As swelling reduces it may be necessary to adjust compression bandage.

Should I wear an ankle brace all day?

Joint Stiffness

In such cases, wearing an ankle brace before playing any sports or doing any exercise is the best idea. This can continue long-term, although it should be removed while sleeping.

What to do if your sprained ankle is still swollen?

What happens if your ankle is swollen for a long time?

Although swelling of the feet and ankles can be a minor problem, it can also be an indication of more serious illnesses such as heart failure, renal failure, or liver failure. The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema.

Is it bad to walk on swollen sprained ankle?

Walking on a sprained ankle can delay the healing process and increase your risk for complications. Ankle pain, instability, and arthritis are common complications of a sprained ankle. These chronic conditions often require long-term treatment and can prevent you from engaging in your favorite sports and activities.

How do you know if a sprained ankle is more serious?

Severe pain. Instability or the feeling that the ankle may “give out” Signs of a fracture, such as a visible deformity, popping or grinding sound at the time of injury, or severe bruising. Numbness in the foot or toes.

Why is my swelling not going down?

If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend medication, exercise or therapy to resolve the swelling. Remember, swelling is the body's reaction to an injury; if the swelling is still present, so is the injury.

Why is my sprained ankle still swollen after a month?

The edema can persist for several weeks or even months, but the hematoma gradually fades away. Generally, the swelling is at its maximum in the first few days after the injury. But it can still be relatively large even 2 or 3 months after an ankle sprain, even at stage 1.

How long should a swelling last?

After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last as long as three months as the body attempts to heal itself. If the swelling lasts longer than this, your physical therapist or doctor may need to take a closer look to determine the cause of the delayed healing.

How do you know if swelling is serious?

When to Seek Care for Swelling. You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.

Does a swollen ankle get worse before it gets better?

the pain and swelling seem to get worse rather than better over the first 3-4 days (the bruising often gets worse for a week or more before it starts to fade)

Does drinking water reduce swollen ankles?

The medical term for swelling is edema, and it may affect one foot more than the other. There are effective methods that can be implemented that can help to prevent swelling. Reducing sodium intake, frequently elevating the feet, and drinking plenty of water can help to manage swollen feet.