how long do sprains take to heal - #26459
I am trying to figure out how long do sprains take to heal because I'm really worried about my ankle. Last week, while playing basketball with some friends, I landed really awkwardly after going for a shot and heard this loud pop. It was super painful at the moment, and I couldn't even walk, like, at all. Went to the ER, and they told me it was a sprain but nothing broken, just some soft tissue damage. That was a relief but now I’m just stuck wondering how long do sprains take to heal since I can't even play anymore! I did some ice and rest, and I guess it looks a bit better, but I still have a lot of swelling and it's super stiff. I’m also worried about if and when I can get back to basketball — love that game! My doc said something about a few weeks, but how long do sprains take to heal if you take it easy and do the compression thing too? Is there any way to speed up the healing process? Do I need fancy treatments or just time? There’s just this anxiety over how long do sprains take to heal and whether I'm gonna miss out on the whole season, ya know? Any advice would totally help!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
For an ankle sprain, the recovery time can vary widely depending on the severity of the sprain. A mild sprain, where the ligaments are just stretched but not torn, typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Moderate sprains with partial tearing of the ligaments might take up to 6 weeks. Severe sprains involving complete tears, as you might suspect from the initial description of a loud “pop,” can take several months and may require more intensive treatment. To speed up the healing process, it’s crucial to follow the R.I.C.E protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This reduces swelling and numbs the area for a nice soothing effect. Make sure you’re icing the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every couple of hours during the first 48 hours post-injury. Compression with a wrap or ankle support can also help limit swelling. Elevating the ankle above your heart level, especially at night, will assist with reducing swelling. Stretching and strengthening exercises, as recommended by a physical therapist, are integral once the initial pain and swelling settle. These exercises can restore your range of motion and strength, and help protect against future injury. If the symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting a physical therapist or orthopedist for more personalized guidance - certain injuries might warrant more specialized care. Avoid fancy treatments unless discussed with a healthcare provider – basic, consistent, and correctly applied care is usually most effective. As for basketball, resuming play before you’re fully healed can risk further injury, so patience and cautious pacing are key. Concentrate on healing properly, and gradually reintroducing activities will be crucial to avoid missing more time in the long run. Always listen to your body and don’t push it too fast, too soon.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.