When can I start running after ankle injury?

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So about 6 weeks ago I sprained my ankle pretty badly. I did all the RICE etc and wore a support and rested it as much as I could for 2 weeks. At that point I had to start running on it as I had a fitness test to pass for work - not the best idea but I was determined to do it as missing it would of sidelined a career change for 6 months.

Since then I’ve not ran as I want to let it heal. However my mental health isn’t good right now and running really really helps so I’m desperate to get back to it and I’m wondering if I can?

Running and walking doesn’t generally hurt unless it’s unlevel/uneven ground. It still hurts to flex toes downwards and I still can’t sit cross legged or on my heels.

I mean part of me actually wonders if there’s possibly a fracture as when I press just above the ankle ‘lump’ it’s still sore to touch but it seems pointless to get it looked at now (wouldn’t get a gp appointment for another 3 weeks anyway!).

Thoughts? As I said, running itself doesn’t hurt or make it worse. Please don’t suggest alternative forms of exercise- I can’t fit in the time nor have the money to go to a gym or swim and walking doesn’t have the same effect on my brain!

Just run on level ground! Also make yourself stretch it to get your range movement back. Can you afford to see a Physio? Just rest can be bad cos the muscle fibres can grow back all multidirectional and you want to use it to make the muscle fibres align in the right direction. Also try balancing on one leg/hopping/heel raises to get proprioceptiom back.

Get out there but take it easy (run 50 walk 50?), see how it goes.

Agree that you need to see a physio (and any competent one should be able to tell you if they think you need to see a doctor, and if they do it won't be a pointless consultation). Also, if they think fracture needs to be ruled out, you need to get to somewhere which can X-ray you a which might mean a long wait at A&E (there isn't really another way to get to be x-rayed, especially not if you cannot even see a gatekeeper GP for 3 weeks or more.

Stick to flat even surfaces, go very gently, and stop before it hurts. If it does start hurting, have some rest days, and start again at 50% of the level where it started to hurt.

If it doesn't hurt, increase effort by no more that 5% a week

I usually have a self imposed injury rule, that if I can’t hop on the injured leg multiple multiple times (eg 30) without pain, then no running. If I’ve been injured I do that test before each run.

A sprain does take a while to heal, even just a slight one, so take it steady. Seeing a sports physio would probably be more useful than waiting for an x-ray.