Ankle Sprains: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ankle Sprains?
An orthopedic doctor (a bone and joint specialist) or a podiatrist (a foot doctor) can treat ankle sprains. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are ankle sprains?
Ligaments are strong, flexible tissues that attach your bones to one another. They keep your joints stable and help them move in the right ways.
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn. This happens when the joint is forced to move into an unnatural position. For example, twisting your ankle may cause a sprain to one or more of the ligaments around the ankle.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a sprain include:
- Joint pain.
- Swelling.
- Joint stiffness.
- Discoloration of the skin, especially bruising.
There are 3 grades of ankle sprains:
- Grade I sprains: your ligaments are stretched, and there may be slight or microscopic tearing. It is a mild injury.
- Grade II sprains: your ligaments are partially torn. You may need to wear a splint or other device to hold the ankle still.
- Grade III sprains: your ligaments are fully torn. You will likely need a brace, splint, or cast for several weeks. You may also need surgery.
With grade II and III sprains, small blood vessels can tear and bleed under the skin, causing black and blue bruising that may not appear for several days. With a severe sprain, you may have strong pain and a lot of swelling. Walking may hurt or be impossible.
Causes and who gets it
Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to move into an unnatural position.
Some ankle sprains may become chronic, which means long-lasting. If this happens, your ankle may stay painful and swollen. It may also feel weak or give way easily.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider may order an x-ray (a picture of the bones) to look for a bone fracture, or an MRI scan (a picture of soft tissues like ligaments) to look for an injury to the ligament.
Treatment
To help your ankle heal, your provider may use a brace, a cast, or a splint, and may give you crutches. You may need to keep some or all of your weight off the bad ankle. Physical therapy or exercises will help you recover.
You can decrease swelling by resting and not putting weight on your foot. Elevate your foot on a pillow at or above the level of your heart.
Apply ice every hour while you are awake, 20 minutes at a time and covered by a towel or bag, for the first 24 hours. After that, apply ice 20 minutes 3 to 4 times per day. Do not put ice directly on your skin.
Pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may help ease pain and swelling. You can buy these without a prescription. Talk with your provider first if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or past stomach ulcers or internal bleeding. Do not take more than the label recommends. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another option if your provider says it is safe. People with liver disease should not take it.
The pain and swelling of an ankle sprain most often get better within 48 hours. After that, slowly put weight back on your foot. Put only as much weight as is comfortable at first. If your ankle begins to hurt, stop and rest.
Your provider will give you exercises to strengthen your foot and ankle. These exercises can help prevent future sprains and chronic ankle pain. Less severe sprains may allow normal activities after a few days. More severe sprains may take several weeks. Talk to your provider before returning to intense sports or work.
When to see a doctor
Go to the hospital right away or call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you think you have a broken bone, if the joint appears out of position, if you have severe pain, if you hear a popping sound and have immediate problems using the joint, or if your ankle or foot becomes numb, tingly, or cold. Contact your provider if you cannot walk, if the pain does not get better after ice, rest, and pain medicine, or if your ankle does not feel any better after 5 to 7 days.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Your doctor can check the ankle, order an x-ray if needed, and refer you to a specialist when the injury is severe. You can also follow up as you start rehab exercises.
Common questions
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Most of the time, a mild sprain will heal in 7 to 10 days. It may take several weeks for pain and swelling to go away after a bad sprain.
Do I need an x-ray?
It depends. Your health care provider may order an x-ray to look for a bone fracture. Your provider may also order an MRI scan to look for an injury to the ligament.
How can I prevent another sprain?
Wear protective footwear during activities that place stress on your ankle. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Always warm up and stretch before exercise and sports, and avoid activities for which you have not trained.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
