Sprains are a common injury, often resulting from intense physical activity or accidents during activities like running, jumping, or sports involving quick direction changes, such as basketball, soccer, badminton, or tennis.

After suffering a sprain, many people are eager to get back to exercising. But when is the right time to resume workouts without worsening the injury?

How Long Does It Take for a Sprained Ankle to Heal?

Recovery time for a sprained ankle varies depending on the injury's severity. For mild to moderate sprains, healing usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks.

Mild sprains are typically accompanied by mild pain, swelling, and minimal loss of motion. Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and some light physical therapy may be all that’s needed for recovery.

In contrast, severe sprains—where the ligaments are fully torn—can take several months to heal. Such injuries may require more than just the RICE method, potentially involving a cast, braces, or even surgery to repair the ligaments.

Returning to Exercise After a Sprain

For mild sprains, you might be able to return to exercise after resting for 3 to 6 weeks. Before jumping back in, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• There’s no lingering pain in the injured area
• Joint mobility has returned to pre-injury levels
• The muscles around the injured joint are strong enough to handle pressure during exercise
• The joint is stable and doesn’t feel shaky

Once these conditions are met, you can slowly ease back into physical activity. Here’s how to safely return to exercise after a sprain:

• Start with low-impact exercises that don’t place too much stress on the injured area, such as walking, swimming, or gentle cycling
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration as the joint’s strength and stability improve
• Be mindful of how your body feels, particularly in the injured area. Watch out for any pain or discomfort
• If the joint feels sore or unstable, stop exercising and consult a doctor or physiotherapist

It’s important to return to exercise cautiously and gradually. The severity of each sprain differs, so recovery times can vary. Ensure that you meet all the recovery criteria, including being pain-free and having stable joints.

Consult with a healthcare provider or physiotherapist before resuming physical activity. They can assess your condition and suggest exercises that are safe for you. Have more questions about sprains or other foot injuries? You can consult with health experts using the Ai Care app, available on the App Store or Play Store.

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