How long does a sprained ankle stay swollen?
Typically, swelling will reside naturally within two weeks of the injury, even with more severe ankle sprains. If severe swelling occurs after this, you may want to consult your doctor for an ankle injury.
Should a sprained ankle still hurt after a week?
He says most sprains just need two days of ice and rest. “If they still have pain a week later, that’s when they should go to the primary care MD to have the next step to go to the physical therapist,” Dr. John Kennedy said. If pain persists, an orthopedist should take a look.
When should I be concerned about a sprained ankle?
People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.
Is it normal for a sprained ankle to swell?
Symptoms. People usually feel immediate pain at the site of an ankle sprain. Often the ankle starts to swell immediately and may develop bruising. The affected area is usually tender to touch and may feel “wobbly” or unstable.
Why won’t my ankle swelling go down?
There are several common causes of ankle pain that does not go away: The sinus tarsi syndrome 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).
How can you tell if a sprain is getting worse?
If the sprain is more serious, you may feel a tearing sensation when the ankle is injured and hear a pop or snap. You may also notice: Bruising….Symptoms of an ankle sprain almost always include:
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Mild to moderate pain, especially when trying to move the joint.
- Tenderness when touched.
- Ankle instability.
How do you reduce swelling from a sprained ankle?
Treatment
- Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
- Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake.
- Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
- Elevation.
How long should swelling last after injury?
After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last for 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.
Is it normal for a sprained ankle to stay swollen?
Persistent swelling is a warning sign that there is an underlying problem. The most common cause of persistent swelling is instability of the ankle joint due to laxity or injury to the supporting ligaments.
Why is my sprained ankle still swollen?
But swelling that persists for more than three months may be a sign of trouble. The lining of the capsule surrounding a joint is called the synovium, and anything inside the joint that irritates the synovium will cause it to secrete fluid. Swelling inside of a joint is often a sign that something is causing irritation.
How long should my ankle stay swollen after a sprain?
The swelling typically lasts from 3-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the ankle sprain. Swelling improves with elevation, rest and application of ice.
What causes the ankle to swell after a sprain?
Causes. Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain. An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which connect bones to one another. In most cases, the ankle is twisted inward , causing small tears in the ligaments. The tearing leads to swelling and bruising, making it difficult to bear weight on the joint.
How long for severe ankle sprain to heal?
Ankle sprains take an average of 6 weeks to heal but can take can up to 4 months, depending on the severity.
Should you walk on a swollen ankle?
Something very easy that anyone can do at home rests their swollen foot and/or ankle. Although it may be a challenge, avoid walking as much as you can. This gives the affected are timed to heal. If walking is necessary, the use of crutches can help to reduce the pressure applied to the swollen area significantly.
