Question
I sprained my foot/ankle about three weeks ago. The X-rays showed that there were no breaks. The swelling has gone down but it’s still there, and my ankle is somewhat painful at times. Is swelling for this long normal?
Answer
Ankle sprains can take a long time to heal. Three weeks is very early in the process, and being careful with your ankle for up to six weeks is realistic.
Avoid running and jumping activities for the next three weeks as your ankle heals. Using an ankle support brace is a good idea, as well, if you participate in any sports activities.
You might also consider connecting with a physical therapist for some exercises to strengthen the ligaments and tendons around the ankle.