Nothing puts a damper on an exercise program quite like a sprained ankle. If you've experienced this painful sports injury, you may be worried about how long it will be before you can exercise again. Though it's vitally important to avoid using your injured joint, fortunately, there are ways to exercise with a sprained ankle without ignoring your doctor's orders.
Sprains
A sprain is the medical term for tearing or stretching the ligaments of your joints. MayoClinic.com reports that sprained ankles are the most common form of sprains, and while some sprains respond well to home treatment, more serious sprains require surgery to repair the damage. MayoClinic.com recommends the RICE method of home treatment: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Always see a health care professional if you believe you've sprained your ankle.
Resting
If you're a committed athlete or exercise enthusiast, you might not want to give up your workouts. However, resting a sprained ankle is important. Using an injured joint increases your total recovery time, according to the American Council on Exercise. Also, failing to heed your doctor's orders could set you up for long-term health issues. Improper care of a sprain results in chronic ankle problems in as many as 40 percent of cases, reports Dr. Trish Palmer, an orthopedic physician and writer for the NBA's "Ask the Docs" column.
Exercises
Just because you can't use your injured ankle doesn't mean you can't exercise at all. There are exercises you can do to keep the rest of your body conditioned and maintain your cardiovascular health. For example, MayoClinic.com recommends using an exercise bike, pedaling with your uninjured leg and resting your hurt foot on a foot peg. You may also be able to do strength training exercises with your upper body and uninjured leg.
Considerations
Sprained ankles take about four to six weeks to fully heal, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can use a variety of techniques to help relieve pain and swelling. Do not return to your normal exercise routine until your doctor clears you to do so. After that, take things slowly for a few days and report any pain to your doctor.
