How long before walking after an ankle sprain?
Ankle Sprain Recovery Time
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. The recovery time for an ankle sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In general, how long it takes before you can start walking again after an ankle sprain depends on the degree of the sprain.
Second Degree Ankle Sprain
A second degree ankle sprain is a moderate injury where there is partial tearing of the ligament. If you have a second degree ankle sprain, it is recommended to rest, ice, compress, and elevate (R.I.C.E) the affected ankle. You may also need to use crutches to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle. Generally, you should be able to start walking again after about three days of proper rest and care.
Minor Ankle Sprain
If you have just a minor ankle sprain where the ligaments are stretched but not torn, you may be able to walk on the ankle shortly after the injury. In most cases, you should be able to put weight on the injured ankle after about 20 minutes. However, it is still important to rest the ankle, apply ice, use compression, and elevate it to reduce swelling and promote healing.
How can I speed up the recovery process of an ankle sprain? To speed up the recovery process of an ankle sprain, it is important to follow the R.I.C.E method (rest, ice, compress, elevate), avoid putting weight on the injured ankle, use crutches if necessary, and perform gentle range of motion exercises as recommended by a healthcare professional. It is also crucial to give the ankle enough time to heal before resuming normal activities to prevent further injury.