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Patient Questions  /  Sprained ankle healing time

Foot & Ankle

How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal?

It depends on how badly the ligaments were stretched or torn. Mild sprains often feel much better within a few weeks, while more severe sprains can take a few months. Ligaments keep healing even after the pain is gone, so balance and strength work matter for a full recovery.

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Why healing time varies

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together are stretched or torn, usually from rolling the foot inward. Doctors often grade sprains by how much damage there is:

  • Mild: the ligament is stretched. There's some swelling and you can usually walk with discomfort.
  • Moderate: part of the ligament is torn, with more swelling, bruising and trouble walking.
  • Severe: the ligament is fully torn and the ankle may feel unstable.

Your age, general health, whether you've sprained it before, and how soon you start moving it again all affect recovery.

Feeling better isn't the same as fully healed

Many people stop having pain well before the ankle has its full strength and balance back. Ankle sprains often happen again, especially in people who go back to sports without regaining balance and control. Some people end up with an ankle that keeps “giving way.”

Research shows that balance and strengthening exercises after a sprain can lower the chance of spraining it again. A gradual return to running, jumping and quick changes of direction is safer than jumping straight back in. A brace or tape may give extra support for a while when you first go back to sport.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • You couldn't take four steps right after the injury, or you can't put weight on it now
  • Pain when pressing on the ankle bones or the outer edge of the foot
  • The foot looks out of place, or it is cold, pale or numb: get emergency care
  • New calf pain, swelling or warmth in the days after the injury, which needs to be checked for a blood clot

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can help you get your ankle moving early, then guide you through strength, balance and sport-specific exercises so you return to activity safely and with less risk of another sprain. This is especially helpful if you've sprained the same ankle before.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Ankle sprains and Achilles pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026