Sprained ankle 3 weeks ago still hurts

[Itsallrocknroll]

Had an x-ray when I did it and was told it was a sprain. I did it last Bank holiday Monday but it still throbs. Is this normal. Trying to call the Dr it's a nightmare. You ring at 8 and all the appointments go by around 20 past so just looking for general advice as to whether it's normal or not

It is unfortunately. My husband keeps spraining his ankle on a regular basis (old injury keeps coming back) and it always takes him around 8-10 weeks to feel more or less comfortable.

If it’s a bad sprain then yes, it can take a while. I’ve sprained both my ankle and wrist, ankle took longer, but putting a pressure bandage on helps as did ibuprofen gel.

Thanks both

I'd say very normal. Sprains can take up to 6 weeks to heal completely. If it is causing you serious discomfort I would get a support sock from a chemist and wear it when you have to be on your feet a lot.

Yes it's totally normal. Sometimes sprains will hurt for months. I get stiffness in mine sometimes a couple of years after a nasty sprain.

Depends on your age too.

I'm afraid that's totally normal for a bad sprain. It can take a couple of months before it's more or less comfortable, and a lot longer than that before it's completely pain-free.

I had a very severe ankle sprain a few years ago and it was almost a year before I got the point where I couldn't feel any discomfort at all.

I highly recommend going to see a private orthopaedic physio. They will strap it so it doesn't hurt, and will probably add flexible strapping (elastoplast-type) or tubigrip to minimise swelling. But it is the strapping that is key - it takes the strain off the injured ligament to allow it to heal. A great side-effect is it stops it hurting.

I recommend this too.

yup, but it can depend on the grade of the sprain. you're looking at 6-12 weeks for most to heal.
Usually 2-6 for the initial thing, then you ought to be wearing an ankle support or boots (or both) for the next 4-6 weeks. They take longer than a break to return to normal.

I have a weak ankle thats now got injury related arthritis as i keep re-injuring it, sprained it 6 or so times now.. most annoying.

Yes - I had physio after a particularly bad sprain in my 20s.

No one told me what type of sprain it is. Just that it was sprained. Just worked out that it's not even 3 weeks that I sprained it. Wearing an ankle support/ tubular bandage now. Also have notice that it doesn't hurt as much when I've been wearing walking boots

Appears that way unfortunately, I'm 4 months post a bad sprain and still getting some pain when I've been on my feet more than usual. A friend told me theirs has never been the same years after.