Twisting your ankle can happen in a split second. Maybe you stepped off a curb wrong or landed awkwardly while playing sports. Whatever the cause, the pain that follows is unmistakable. But if it's been a few days and your ankle is still aching, you might be wondering: is that normal? The short answer is yes. It's common for a twisted or sprained ankle to hurt for several days, sometimes even weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. However, you should always seek medical care if you’re concerned about an injury to rule out a broken bone.
If you’re in need of rapid injury care for a twisted ankle, AFC Urgent Care Bedford is here to help. Our team of board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide rapid injury care. Our clinic has a digital X-ray imaging suite for advanced diagnosis and treatment. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment; simply visit when it’s convenient or save your spot online in advance below.
Why Does a Twisted Ankle Still Hurt Days After the Injury?
When you twist your ankle, the ligaments that hold your bones together get stretched beyond their normal range. In more serious cases, they may tear. However, the trauma from overstretching your ligaments often results in painful symptoms like intense swelling, bruising, and inflammation. These symptoms can linger for days or even sometimes weeks, and although a sprained ankle typically doesn’t require much medical intervention, the healing process takes time.
If you keep walking on the injured ankle or don't rest it properly, you could be prolonging your healing process. Continuing with your regular activities too soon may delay healing and cause repeated micro-injuries, which keep the area inflamed. In some cases, what seems like a minor twist could actually be a more serious injury like a ligament tear or even a small fracture, both of which would cause ongoing discomfort.
Do Sprained Ankles Ever Fully Heal?
Yes, most sprained ankles do fully heal, especially when properly treated. Mild sprains often recover completely within a few weeks, while more severe sprains might take several months. With rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and sometimes physical therapy, your ankle can regain its strength and stability.
However, some people experience lasting symptoms like occasional pain or a feeling of instability. This usually happens when the ligaments haven't appropriately healed or when rehabilitation is incomplete. Repeated ankle injuries can also lead to chronic ankle instability, which makes the joint more prone to future sprains.
How Long Does Ankle Pain Last After a Sprain?
The duration of ankle pain depends on the severity of the sprain:
- Mild (Grade I): Pain and swelling may last for a few days to a week.
- Moderate (Grade II): Symptoms can persist for two to four weeks.
- Severe (Grade III): Healing may take several weeks to a few months, often with the help of physical therapy or even a brace.
If your twisted ankle continues to hurt after several days, especially if the pain is severe, the swelling doesn't go down, or you can't put any weight on it, it's time to seek medical attention. You may be dealing with a more serious injury like a torn ligament or a fracture. Getting an accurate diagnosis from urgent care ensures you receive the proper treatment early, preventing long-term complications and speeding up your recovery.
Visit AFC Bedford for Same-Day Injury Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing ankle pain after a misstep or sports injury, you could have minor damage to your ankle ligaments. Depending on how severe the damage is, you may need X-ray imaging to rule out a broken bone or severe damage to your ligaments. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in clinic has digital X-ray imaging available with no appointment necessary. Simply visit the clinic when it’s convenient, we’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Our board-certified medical providers are experts at diagnosing common injuries like sprained ankles, and providing the necessary treatment to get you on the road to recovery. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans, and we offer competitive rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. To learn more, visit our website or give our team a call at (781) 430-8161.
