Q&A for How to Treat a Sprained Ankle

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Question

Can I continue to exercise after spraining my ankle?

Catherine Cheung, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Dr. Catherine Cheung is a double board-certified Podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction, injury treatment, custom orthotics, bunion surgery, and all general foot and ankle issues. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with the Brown & Toland Physicians and the Sutter Medical Network. She received her BS from UCLA. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Ankle Surgery.

Catherine Cheung, DPM

Board Certified Podiatrist

Expert Answer

Typically, you can continue doing low-impact exercises, such as swimming or biking, as long as it doesn't cause any pain. Be sure to ask your doctor before you start exercising to make sure it's safe.

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Question

Is my ankle sprained if I stepped on something and my ankle gave out and there was a popping sound? I can't rotate my foot and it is still swollen after several days.

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

If you hear a popping sound or feel a popping sensation in your ankle, always see a doctor.

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Question

What should I do if standing increases the pain in my feet?

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Sit down to take pressure off your ankle. Apply an ice pack and elevate your ankle. Don’t stand or try to walk until you feel you are able to do so.

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Question

As a professional badminton player who suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain, how can I gain strength in my ankle? It's been one month since my injury, and I'd like to start my rigid training.

Jonas DeMuro, MD
Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon
Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow.

Jonas DeMuro, MD

Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon

Expert Answer

There is no exact amount of time, and the ankle is at risk of getting re-sprained if rigid training is resumed too early. In general, the ankle should be pain free, with a full range of motion and a return to full strength. This type of injury needs to be attended to by your physician who can give you more specific advice and assess the injury and its progress over time.

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Question

How can I help heal a sprained ankle?

Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS
Physical Therapist & Entrepreneur
Dr. Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS, is the Founder and Chief Athlete Mechanic of Clutch PT + Performance, a private physical therapy clinic specializing in sports and orthopedics in New York City. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Grahlman specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and injuries, sports performance optimization and post-operative rehabilitation. Dr. Grahlman earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is one of just a few DPTs in New York City recognized as a Fellow in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT). He is certified in Active Release Technique and Spinal Manipulation and is a TRX Suspension Training Specialist. Dr. Grahlman has spent his career treating athletes of all levels, from Ironman Champions and Olympians to marathoner moms. He consults for Triathlete, Men’s Health, My Fitness Pal and CBS News.

Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS

Physical Therapist & Entrepreneur

Expert Answer

Rest your ankle and don't put weight on it, but do keep moving it as much as you can within your pain-free range of motions. For instance, you could do ankle circles or trace the alphabet with your foot. From there, slowly build into being able to bear weight on your ankle.

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