Should a sprained ankle still hurt after 2 weeks?

Most ankle sprains heal with no problems. You should feel much better after 2 weeks. Up to a third of people still have some pain after a year. Once the swelling has gone down and you can walk without pain, you can probably start exercises to build flexibility and strength.

How long should a swollen ankle be elevated?

Elevation: Raise your ankle at or above the level of your heart. This helps prevent the swelling from getting worse and reduces bruising. Try to keep your ankle elevated for about 2 to 3 hours a day.

How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?

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.

Why is my sprained ankle still swollen after 3 weeks?

Swelling. It’s normal for a sprained ankle to swell, sometimes for four to six weeks, or longer. But swelling that persists for more than three months may be a sign of trouble.

How long will my ankle be swollen after sprain?

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.

Why is my ankle still swollen after sprain?

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.

Why won’t the swelling go down on my ankle?

If the ankle is not improving, your body will naturally try to keep it immobilized or swollen. In a case where swelling does not improve, you should seek medical treatment, including an X-Ray to show the severity of the sprain or find out if it’s broken.

Can you walk Grade 2 ankle sprain?

Ina grade 2 sprain, the ligament is partially torn. It is difficult to walk. A grade 2 sprained ankle will result in significant swelling and bruising. It is possible, though not as likely, to need surgery for a grade 2 sprain, depending on the severity of the sprain.

How long does swelling last after a sprained ankle?

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.

Why does my sprained ankle keep swelling?

The fluid buildup around ankle sprains that leads to swelling is caused by internal bleeding around the damaged tissues. The body often responds to the irritation of injury by releasing more fluid into the area from surrounding tissues.

What causes swelling after ankle sprain?

Some common causes of ankle swelling include injury such as a sprained ankle, prolonged standing, and water retention. In addition, ankle edema can be related to cardiac conditions such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.

How do you treat a swollen ankle?

Treating ankle swelling depends on the cause. For swollen ankles caused by prolonged standing, sitting or lying down with the legs elevated can provide relief from ankle edema . When ankle swelling is related to an injury, ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and resultant pain.