Sprained Ankle Symptoms: What To Look for and When To Seek Help

Acute ankle sprains are among the most common injuries people encounter each year.¹ Learn how to identify sprained ankle symptoms, at-home treatments you can try and when to seek professional care.

Understanding a Sprained Ankle

Sprained ankles are common injuries. They affect people of all ages. Proper treatment starts with understanding their causes and symptoms. Your sprained ankle recovery time will depend on how serious it is.

What Is a Sprain and How Does It Happen?

Ligaments are tissue bands that stabilize joints. An ankle sprain happens when these ligaments are stretched or torn (often due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot). This can happen when you step off a curb, for instance.

Common Causes of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains typically occur from trauma, such as sports injuries, falls or car accidents. Other causes include walking on uneven surfaces, awkward landings and wearing unsupportive shoes.

The Difference Between a Sprain, Strain, and a Break

It's crucial to distinguish between a sprain, a strain, and a break for proper treatment. These injuries may seem similar because they all involve pain, but they are different. Let’s take a closer look:²

• Ankle sprains are the least severe, caused by stretched or torn ligaments, and are graded I to III^.1 A severe grade III sprain can be as painful as a break.
• An ankle strain is similar to a sprain but affects the muscles and tendons that pull on your bones.
• An ankle break (or fracture) can range from a hairline crack to a bone puncturing the skin. Your ankle injury recovery time depends on how severe your injury is.

Key Symptoms To Watch For

Look for key signs and symptoms if you think you’ve sprained an ankle. Some may appear immediately, while others develop over time.

Immediate Signs After the Injury

When you've sustained an ankle sprain, there are several signs to look out for. These include:

• Outer or inner ankle pain
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Instability
• Tenderness

Some symptoms may overlap with a fracture, so monitor your pain severity closely.

Ongoing Pain, Swelling and Bruising

You may feel ongoing pain for days or weeks, depending on the severity of your sprain. Swelling can occur right away or within 24 to 48 hours, and bruising may develop over time.

When Symptoms May Indicate a More Serious Issue

Although most ankle sprains are treatable at home, look out for signs of a more serious injury. These include visible deformity, tingling (or numbness), a "cracking" sound at the time of injury and severe pain felt directly on your bone. If you can't take a few steps after an injury, you may have a more serious issue like a fracture.

When To Seek Medical Help

Self-care and over-the-counter pain relief may be all you need for minor sprains, but if the pain is severe or you suspect a fracture, it's important to see your doctor.

Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

Most ankle sprains will heal just fine at home. However, there are some red flag symptoms that indicate a potentially serious injury. These include visible deformity, any break in the skin near the injury, cold (or bluish) skin and loss of movement.

At-Home First Aid vs. Professional Evaluation

While at-home first aid can be very helpful for mild to moderate sprains, serious injuries require a professional evaluation by a doctor. A doctor can examine your injury and create an appropriate treatment plan to prevent complications.

How a Diagnosis Is Typically Made

If you need to visit your doctor, they will complete a physical examination. This includes feeling the area to check for tenderness, range of motion tests and advanced imaging.

Supporting Recovery at Home

Wondering how long a sprained ankle takes to heal? Depending on how serious your injury is, it may take anywhere from one week to several months.³ There are several easy ways to support your recovery at home.

R.I.C.E Method and Beyond

"R.I.C.E" stands for "rest, ice, compression and elevation."¹ Take a break from activities that put stress on your ankle. Apply a cold pack or ice to the area for 15 minutes a day every few hours for the first 48 hours. Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage and make sure it is snug. Keep your ankle propped up on pillows. By making sure it is above heart level, gravity will help drain excess fluid away from the injured area.

The R.I.C.E method is effective, but consider other approaches too. Avoid prolonged rest to prevent muscle atrophy and encourage blood flow. After the first 24 hours, avoid over-icing your ankle, as excessive cooling may delay healing.

Using Biofreeze for Cooling Relief

Like ice, Biofreeze can provide cooling relief for your sprained ankle. Biofreeze offers temporary, fast-acting relief through its active ingredient, menthol. Menthol stimulates cold receptors in your skin. These signals travel more quickly to the brain than pain signals, blocking your brain's perception of pain from your sprained ankle.⁴ The gel tube format, such as Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, is designed for easy, targeted application, allowing you to effectively cover both small and large areas with a fast-acting formula.

Tips To Prevent Future Ankle Injuries

Make sure to always warm up before exercising and be careful when walking on uneven surfaces. Wear an ankle support brace to provide more stability. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes when possible and practice stability training.

This ankle pain causes and treatment options guide can help you learn more about how to treat your sprains and when it's time to speak with a doctor.