Can You Walk on a Sprained Ankle? An Easy Guide to Recovery

A sprained ankle usually happens when you twist or turn it in an awkward way. Doing so injures the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue surrounding and supporting your joint. In the worst cases, the ligaments may even tear.

They can experience some stretching without damage. However, the problem occurs when it is pushed past its normal boundaries. Therefore, you should immediately speak to your doctor or podiatrist if you sprain your ankle, as it can be severely painful and debilitating. Patients often ask, "Can you walk on a sprained ankle?" 

That's what we're answering in the post below.

How do I know if my ankle is sprained?

Ankle sprains can only occur after severely twisting or rolling your ankle joint. Most commonly, you may slip, walk on an uneven surface, wear inappropriate footwear, or participate in sports.

If you've sprained your ankle, you may notice the following ankle symptoms:

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Pain

• Bruising

• Skin discoloration

• Stiffness

You'll likely find it painful to put weight on the affected ankle. While these symptoms indicate your ankle is sprained, a doctor or podiatrist must diagnose you to rule out other potential causes, like a fracture.

Can you walk on a sprained ankle?

Yes and no. Walking is certainly possible but often inadvisable. If your ankle is sprained, you may be provided a brace to walk. Whether you should walk or not will depend on the severity of the sprain. Your doctor or podiatrist will likely take an x-ray and schedule an MRI or CT scan to evaluate the damage. 

Here are the sprained ankle grades:

• Grade I. Commonly called a "mild sprain," the ankle ligaments are stretched but not torn. Walking is possible because the ankle remains stable but can feel painful or stiff. Treatment includes applying ice, elevating it, and wearing a brace. While walking is permitted, more vigorous exercise outside, like running, is ill-advised until pain and swelling subside.

• Grade II. Referred to as a "moderate sprain," it involves partially torn ligaments. The ankle is unstable, and walking may be difficult. Most grade II sprains require crutches or a boot to enable walking. Walking without such devices is not advised.

• Grade III. The most severe ankle sprain. You'll often hear or feel a pop during the sprain as the ligaments are completely torn. The ankle will be unstable, and you'll be unable to move your ankle – let alone walk on it.

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

The severity of the ankle sprain determines the time it takes to heal:

• Grade I sprain takes two to three weeks before you can return to regular activities.

• Grade II sprain takes four to six weeks to heal completely.

• Grade III sprain takes three months or more to heal. 

Part of the healing process is following R.I.C.E – the standard care for most injuries. 

It stands for:

• Rest. Do not overuse the joint. Stay off your feet, allowing the injury to heal, especially if your feet are aging already.

• Ice. Applying an ice pack periodically to the joint or submerging the foot and ankle in a large bucket of ice water to reduce inflammation is a great sprained ankle treatment at home.

• Compression. Compressing the ankle – with a compression sleeve – reduces swelling and keeps the joint in line. Reducing swelling can also improve pain.

• Elevation. Keeping the ankle above the heart will ensure the fluid does not gather in the foot. Alongside a compression wrap, it'll help the ankle heal more quickly.

Will walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?

In general, yes. Rest is a key principle of healing when your ankle is sprained. While small bouts of walking are part of caring for your feet, and sprains are unlikely to damage the joint further for Grade I, overusing the ligaments will cause inflammation and discomfort. 

In the case of a Grade II or III sprain, walking can cause it to be significantly worse. The ankle is also unstable, increasing the risk of a fall or slip, further exacerbating the sprain. A Grade II sprain may fully tear, for instance, becoming a Grade III sprain. 

If you do need to walk, wearing a boot or using crutches is essential. It'll put pressure on your arms and the other foot, allowing your ankle to continue to heal.

Key Takeaways

• A sprained ankle is caused by rolling or twisting the ankle beyond its normal limits.

• You should avoid walking on it, especially if Grade II or III.

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are the standard treatment regimen.

• Sprained ankles are graded from I to III – III being the worst and I being the best.

Final Thoughts

Bearing the pain and other symptoms of a sprained ankle can be hard to bear. So, don’t force yourself to walk if you have it. Visit Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists to have one of our expert foot doctors treat you immediately. Contact one of our podiatrists near you for an appointment and consultation.