Can You Walk on a Sprained Ankle?

Quick answer: Can You Walk On A Sprained Ankle affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Can you walk on a sprained ankle? The next day? How soon?

🦶Can You WALK on a Sprained Ankle?  🦶 We go over how soon can you walk on a sprained ankle & when can you start walking on a sprained ankle?

Can you walk on a sprained ankle the next day? Video Guide!

There are 3 grades of sprained ankle:

• The recovery times can range can last from 1-2 days until over 6+ weeks or more! If you walk to early on your ankle sprain it can potentially make things even worse.
• We go over the 3 stages and when it is safe to walk.

We answer the following questions in this video:

• Can you walk on a grade 1 ankle sprain?
• Can you walk on a grade 2 ankle sprain?
• Can you walk on a grade 3 ankle sprain?

Video Show Notes:

🦶Can You WALK on a Sprained Ankle? Can Walking on a Sprained Ankle Make it Worse? 🦶 We go over the best rolled ankle recovery time and ankle sprain recovery times! We go over the best ankle sprain self treatment and home treatment options for your rolled ankle and twisted ankle ligaments! Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse? A better questions is should you walk on a sprained ankle? It is ok to walk on a sprained ankle if it is properly diagnosed and protected. Great options are good supportive shoes, good supportive insoles, and a lace up ankle sprain brace. It is also possible that if the sprain is severe enough, walking on a sprained ankle can make it worse and you may need ankle surgery. 👉– Shoes –👈 Best Sprained Ankle Shoes: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/ Best Sprained Ankle Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products/// 👉– LINKS –👈 (With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor prior to using any product!) Best Sprained Ankle Braces: Best Overall Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/GreatBrace (Amazon) Best Overall Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/GreatCompressionBrace (Amazon) Best Budget Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleStability (Amazon) Best Budget Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleCompression (Amazon) Best Overall Orthotic: https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics (Amazon) Best Heavy Duty Orthotic: https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics (Amazon) Best Sprained Ankle Orthotics: Best Overall Orthotic: https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics (Amazon) Best Heavy Duty Orthotic: https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics (Amazon) Best Women’s Orthotic: https://geni.us/BestWomensOrthotic (Amazon) Best Affordable 3/4 Orthotic: https://geni.us/ShortLengthOrthotics (Amazon) Best sub $25 Soft Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetSoftOrthotic (Amazon) Best sub $25 Budget Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetOrthotic (Amazon) Best Sprained Ankle Stretches: Best Budget Stretching Device: https://geni.us/BudgetFasciitisStretch (Amazon) Good Ankle & Calf Stretching Device: https://geni.us/AnkleStretchingBoard (Amazon) Best Hamstring & Knee Stretch Device: https://geni.us/BestHamstringStretch (Amazon) Good Soft Stretch Splint: https://geni.us/SoftStretchSplint (Amazon) Good Hard Stretch Splint https://geni.us/HardNightSplint (Amazon) Best Muscle Foam Roller: https://geni.us/BestFoamRoller (Amazon) Do you have a Rolled Ankle or Twisted Ankle Ligament Tear?

Best Ankle Sprain Braces:

These are our favorite ankle stability braces for a sprained ankle. Studies do show stability ankle braces are a low cost and effective treatment method! For strong supportive ankle brace can allow someone to walk significantly earlier with a sprained ankle that without a brace. The goal of the stability ankle braces to prevent the twisting of the foot. It is generally not a good idea to do anything overly athletic until the ligament is completely healed. The goal of the brace is to prevent excessive twisting.

Best Ankle Compression Braces:

Compression braces can be very effective in controlling swelling. These can work really well when the focus is on a swollen ankle. These do not provide as much support as a stability ankle brace. Studies do show ankle braces are a low cost and effective treatment method for recurrent ankle sprains!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you walk on a sprained ankle the next day?

There are 3 grades of ankle sprains that could determine this:

Can you walk on a grade 1 sprained ankle?

• A grade 1 ankle sprain is just a stretching of the 3 ankle ligaments.  Generally it should not be a problem walking on a grade 1 sprained ankle after 2-3 days or so. We would recommend always evaluating with your podiatrist to be 100% sure, or wearing a supportive ankle brace as found above. It is generally not a good idea to resume aggressive sports that could result in further ankles process as this could cause a potential rupture or damage to the ankle ligaments.

Can you walk on a grade 2 ankle sprain?

• The grade 2 ankle sprain is a more significant extension that could cause some partial tearing through the ligament. The recovery time on this is more in the 2-4 week range. We would recommend for grade 2 ankle sprain not to do anything aggressive that could reinjure it. With 1 of the above listed ankle braces it might be safe to walk in a good shoe and a brace, but we would always recommend her getting evaluated by a podiatrist first.

Can you walk on a grade 3 ankle sprain?

• A grade 3 ankle sprain should require evaluation with a podiatrist. This is usually a pretty significant tear or even a complete tear of the ankle joint ligaments. This may require a podiatrist intervention or potentially even a surgery at the ligament is completely ruptured. This is usually associated with purple bruising and damage.

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Related Treatment Guides

• Ankle Sprain & Instability Treatment
• Peroneal Tendon Disorders Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics

Clinical References

1. Doherty C, et al. “The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury.” Sports Medicine. 2014;44(1):123-140.
2. Kerkhoffs GM, et al. “Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: an evidence-based clinical guideline.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012;46(12):854-860.
3. Hubbard TJ, et al. “Contributing factors to chronic ankle instability.” Foot and Ankle International. 2006;27(5):343-347.

What is Ankle sprain?

Ankle sprain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.

Symptoms and warning signs

Common signs of ankle sprain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.

Conservative treatment options

Most cases of ankle sprain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.

Recovery timeline and prevention

Recovery from ankle sprain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle sprains, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.