Sprained ankles are among the most common sports injuries, affecting people of all ages, athletic abilities, and activity levels.
Understanding your anticipated sprained ankle recovery time and treatment protocol can help you set a realistic timeline for your return to the pitch, field, or court.
Keep reading to explore the common factors that influence recovery time, like location and severity, and gain insights into when to seek professional medical care at an urgent care center near you.
How Long Do Sprained Ankles Last?
Sprained ankle recovery time depends on its location and severity.
Ankle Sprain Location
Ankle sprains can occur in three different areas:
- Low-ankle sprain
Low ankle sprains affect the ligaments in the subtalar joint (just below the ankle). These are the most common type of ankle sprain, occurring when the ankle rolls inward or inverts underneath the foot. - Mid-ankle sprain
A mid-ankle sprain, or midfoot sprain, affects the ligaments and soft tissue in the middle of the foot. It occurs when the ligaments are overstretched or torn. - High-ankle sprain
High ankle sprains, also known as syndesmotic injuries, occur when the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula bones in the lower leg become torn or stretched. They are caused when the foot is suddenly flexed, twisted, or turned outward.
Ankle Sprain Severity
Ankle sprains are graded based on their severity, typically assessed through visual examination by a medical professional to evaluate the extent of swelling, bruising, and pain:
- Grade I
Ligaments are overstretched but not torn with mild tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. Individuals can typically walk on the affected joint with minimal pain. - Grade II
Ligaments are partially torn, with mild tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. Individuals can typically walk on the affected joint with moderate pain. - Grade III
Ligaments are completely torn, with swelling, bruising, and pain. Individuals may experience ankle instability and difficulty bearing weight on the joint. Walking is not advised.
Twisted Ankle Recovery Time by Location
Low-ankle sprain recovery time
Recovery time for a low-ankle sprain depends on its severity, with longer-lasting sprains involving torn ligaments.
- Grade I: One to three weeks
- Grade II: Three to six weeks
- Grade III: Six to 12 weeks
Mid-ankle sprain recovery time
Like low-ankle sprains, recovery time for mid-ankle sprains largely depends on severity and can range from a few weeks to several months.
- Grade I: One to three weeks
- Grade II: Three to six weeks
- Grade III: Six weeks to several months or longer.
Recovery time for high-ankle sprain
High sprained ankle recovery time often ranges from 6-8 weeks to several months, depending on severity.
- Grade I: One to three weeks
- Grade II: Three to six weeks
- Grade III: Up to six months and may require surgery
If you are experience a moderate to severe ankle sprain , visit ClearChoiceMD for high-quality care and treatment.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Sprained Ankle?
If you experience pain, swelling, or bruising and cannot bear weight on your ankle, we recommend visiting ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care for prompt, exceptional treatment.
Our providers and clinical teams specialize in ankle sprain treatment and are ready to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Here are four reasons to visit urgent care for a sprained ankle:
- You hear popping and cracking.
Your joint pops or cracks when you try to move it. This means you may have a grade III sprain, and the ligaments no longer hold your joint in place. - You have a repeat injury.
You have sprained the ankle before in the same location. - Your symptoms do not improve.
Your symptoms do not improve or worsen 24-48 hours following the injury with the at-home RICE protocol and over-the-counter pain relievers. The RICE protocol consists of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Our providers are skilled in diagnosing and treating mild to severe ankle sprains.
What Will Urgent Care Do for Sprained Ankles?
Treatment for a sprained ankle typically involves ice, pain relief medication, and compression bandages to reduce pain and swelling. Moderate to severe ankle sprains are often immobilized with a walking cast or boot to allow for healing and mobility.
Before treatment, your urgent care provider will examine and diagnose the sprain using physical examination and X-rays, if needed, to ensure there are no fractures.
ClearChoiceMD offers onsite X-ray services to help you get the treatment you need without the wait.
Where Should I Go to Treat a Sprained Ankle: Urgent Care or ER?
In most cases, ankle sprains do not require a trip to the emergency room. ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care can provide exceptional, affordable treatment for mild to severe ankle sprains.
When you need urgent care for sports injuries, like ankle sprains, visit your nearest ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care location. We offer exceptional care in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
We can help expedite your sprained ankle recovery time with prompt, effective treatment.
