I don’t like to take any pills, but I did have ibuprofen before bed, to help me sleep through the pain; rest and avoid using the ankle as much as possible Although this may vary depending on the aforementioned factors, it is a good gauge to know how long it will take for you to recover from your sprained ankle. Send thanks to the doctor View 1 more answer Ankle Sprain Recovery Time. Ligaments are elastic structures that hold the ankle bones together. Sprained ankle recovery time varies from case to case. Three Steps to Recover From a Sprained Ankle (first couple of weeks) ice, compress and elevate to reduce swelling; take anti-inflammatories if needed. For sure, you want to be back on your routine as soon as possible so here are valuable tips on how to heal a sprained ankle fast. A sprained ankle is an injury to the ligaments that stabilize the ankle. With a mild sprain and a functionally protective brace, you can often return to running in a couple of weeks. These ligaments connect the different bones in the joint to each other. Depends: On how bad the sprain is, sometimes can take as long as a break whih is 6-8 weeks, though that is for a severe sprain. So, no running … However, before you return to your running routine, make sure you consult a physical who can perform a series of tests to make sure you are healed. Grade 1 Injury In a grade 1 ligament injury, the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched. However, if you’ve done significant damage to the ankle, you could be resting it for a while. Ankle Sprain Healing Timeline The recovery time of an ankle sprain is dependent on the severity of the injury. Getting a sprain doesn’t mean that you are careless since sprains are often a result of running on uneven surfaces. Treated by rest, ice and elevation, athletes should be able to return from a Grade 1 sprain relatively quickly. Running – While you might be eager to return to your exercise routine as soon as possible, as stated in the previous section, resting is a vital part of recovering from a sprained ankle. Read on to find out how long it will take you to recover from the injury. When the ankle is twisted in an awkward position, some ligaments may tear and cause the sprain. Regardless of the kind of sprain that you might have suffered, you are likely more concerned about the amount of time it will take before you get back to your normal routine. If you are dealing with a normal sprained ankle, you shouldn’t have to wait too long until you’re healthy again.