How long does it take to rehab a sprained ankle?

Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in one to three weeks with proper rest and non-surgical care( such as applying ice). Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks.

Can a sprained ankle become chronic?

A severe sprain is far more likely to result in chronic instability, but even repeated Grade 1 sprains could lead to a chronic condition. The best way to avoid chronic instability is to get treatment for a sprained ankle so that you fully recover, thus lowering your risk of chronic instability.

Which type of ankle sprain takes the longest to heal?

High ankle sprains tend to take longer to heal than the more common strains. Here are steps you can take during the healing process. Ice. First, your doctor may advise you to ice your ankle every few hours for about 20 minutes at a time.

What is a chronic ligament tear?

Chronic lateral ankle ligament injury is a long-term outcome in patients suffering acute ankle sprain. Some long-term cohort studies showed that 10 to 20\% patients eventually developed persistent symptoms, including pain, swelling, perception of instability, and recurrent ankle sprain [6,7,8,9].

How long does it take to recover from a sprained ankle?

When to start exercises for ankle sprains. Most people can start ankle rehabilitation exercises within three days after the ankle injury, if it’s not too severe. But there’s no set timetable. Listen to your own body, and follow your doctor’s advice.

What are the best exercises for ankle sprain rehab?

The ankle ligaments provide feedback to your body which assists in things like balance, that’s why focusing on neuromuscular control exercises is a must! The options are endless for ankle sprain rehab when you reach this stage in your recovery, but some of our favorite exercises are below.

Should I push pause on my ankle sprain rehab?

Understand, however, that most ankle sprains do not require imaging. Imaging (like x-rays) should only be used if a fracture is suspected, in this case, you want to push pause on your ankle sprain rehab. Moreover, tissue healing timelines will be different based on the severity of ligament injuries.

How often should I do Balance exercises with an injured ankle?

If you think you would have felt unsteady doing these exercises when your ankle was healthy, you are at risk of falling when you try them with an injured ankle. Practice your balance exercise at least once a day, repeating it about 6 times in each session.