A sprained ankle is a very common injury that affects many athletes. Sprained ankles occur when the ligaments that support an ankle are torn or stretched, resulting in a moderate amount of pain and swelling. While this injury happens frequently in sports, it's possible to sprain your ankle during any sudden fall, twist, or impact in everyday activities. This blog will explore the recovery time of a sprained ankle and outline how soon athletes can return to their sport.
For same-day acute injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our team of board-certified providers specialize in treating a wide range of injuries, including sprained ankles. Simply walk into the clinic, or check-in online to get started on your quick recovery today.
What’s the recovery time for a sprained ankle?
The recovery time for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the individual injury case-to-case. Additionally, recovery time can depend on how soon the injury is treated and type of treatment received. If you’ve sustained a mild sprain, there’s a good chance it will take a few days to a week for your ankle to heal. However, more severe sprains can take several weeks to heal– even months if treated improperly.
Since the recovery time for a sprain ankle fluctuates, so does the time it takes to return to your sport. In most cases, individuals who have made a full recovery can return to sports when their ankle has a full range of motion without pain. This includes moving your ankles in all natural angles with no pain, and being able to walk with full strength. It’s highly recommended to return to physical activity gradually in order to avoid any further injury.
How are sprained ankles treated?
When you’ve incurred a sprained ankle, it’s important to seek professional treatment in order to get the injury properly diagnosed. A simple digital x-ray can take clear images of your injury to determine if it’s a sprain or fracture. Once diagnosed, a medical provider will guide you through the treatment process. Generally, the first step in treating a sprained ankle is to reduce swelling and pain with ice and elevation. The R.I.C.E method refers to rest, ice, compression and elevation to help your ankle recover from a sprain quickly.
If your sprain is slightly more severe, it may be recommended to wear a brace to support the area while walking and prevent further damage. Once the area’s swelling has decreased, different stretches, balance exercise, and low-impact activities can help your ankle regain its strength during recovery.
What types of injuries are treated at urgent care?
Urgent care centers are a great resource for same-day injury treatment. If you have a sprained ankle, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for quick and convenient care. Our providers can examine your injury and take digital x-ray images for an accurate diagnosis. Besides a sprained ankle, we can treat the follow acute injuries:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Strained muscles or joints
- Lacerations that need stitches
- Joint dislocations
- Minor burns
Visiting the clinic will help you understand your individual recovery time and the recommended amount of time you should wait before returning to sports. It’s important not to return to high-intensity physical activity too soon, as this can cause an increased risk of further damaging the ankle.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for Acute Injury Care
Although the recovery time for a sprained ankle can vary from person to person, the medical team at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth can give you more insight into your individual injury. It’s important to follow a proper treatment plan and give yourself enough time to heal before returning to sports. Visit the walk-in clinic so you can make a full recovery and get back to doing the things you love. AFC Elizabeth is open seven days a week, so visit at your convenience.
If you have any additional questions about sprained ankle treatment, or other services AFC Elizabeth provides, please contact our office directly at (908) 677-5900.
