A sprained ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue connecting bones, are stretched or torn beyond their normal limits. This often happens from a sudden twist, roll, or awkward landing of the foot. While many sprains heal with self-care, the question of when and how to walk on a sprained ankle is complex and depends significantly on the injury’s severity and the stage of recovery.
Immediate Care for a Sprained Ankle
Immediately following an ankle sprain, walking on the injured ankle is generally not recommended. Focus on reducing swelling and protecting the ankle. Applying ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours can help reduce pain and swelling. Elevating the ankle above heart level, especially during rest, also helps minimize swelling by promoting fluid drainage.
Compressing the ankle with an elastic bandage provides support and helps control swelling; ensure it’s snug but not too tight to cut off circulation. Rest means avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort and limiting weight-bearing on the injured ankle. Using crutches might be necessary to keep weight off the ankle during this acute phase, allowing the damaged tissues to begin the healing process.
When Movement Aids Recovery
Once initial pain and swelling subside, controlled movement becomes beneficial for ankle recovery. Gentle, pain-free movement can promote blood flow to the injured area, which delivers essential nutrients and removes waste products, aiding tissue repair. This early, controlled motion also helps prevent stiffness in the joint, maintaining range of motion.
Gradual weight-bearing, introduced as tolerated, helps restore the ankle’s function and proprioception, which is the body’s sense of its position and movement. Gentle movements help align the healing ligament fibers, contributing to a stronger and more functional recovery. This phase emphasizes controlled activity rather than “walking through pain,” ensuring the ankle is not re-injured.
Gentle Walking During Ankle Recovery
When initial acute symptoms decrease, and controlled movement is comfortable, a gradual return to walking can begin. Starting with short distances on even surfaces helps to test the ankle’s tolerance. Listening to your body and using pain as a guide is important; any increase in pain or swelling signals a need to reduce activity.
Supportive footwear, like shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and a secure fit, provides stability and helps prevent excessive ankle movement during this phase. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of walking, avoiding uneven terrain until the ankle has regained more strength and stability.
When Professional Medical Advice is Needed
While many ankle sprains can be managed with self-care, certain signs indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. If you are unable to bear any weight on the injured ankle, or if walking causes sharp and persistent pain, it could suggest a more serious injury. Significant swelling, especially if it appears immediately and is accompanied by deep bruising, warrants medical attention.
Other red flags include a visible deformity, numbness in the foot or toes, or a distinct popping or snapping sound at the time of injury. If symptoms do not improve within a few days of home care, or if pain remains intense despite rest and ice, consult a healthcare professional to rule out a fracture or severe ligament damage.