It is common for people to wonder when it is safe to exercise after an ankle sprain. The answer to the question depends upon the severity of the injury. Is there swelling? What about bruising? How about putting weight on the foot to walk? These are some of the key items related to how long after injury until someone can return to exercise.
To return to exercise the 1st step is getting rid of the bruising and at least most of the swelling. From there, the person needs to be able to put weight on their foot and walk normally again. It is not wise to resume exercise if there is a limp. Additionally, it will be important to address ankle strength and balance. Often these last two elements are ignored, which increases the risk for future injury. Unfortunately, recurrent ankle injuries are all too common. Typically, these re-injuries are related to not doing all the work necessary to “re-strengthen” the ankle after a 1st ankle sprain. 
Back to the question at hand…when? Again, this depends on severity.
A grade 1 injury has maybe a little swelling or bruising and limited impact on walking. Typically, within a few days the person will be walking normally again and feel like they can be active. And while that is true, it is still important to address the strength and balance elements. Failure to do so will increase the risk of future injury. Just because there is no pain does not mean the ankle is FULLY STRONG.
A grade 2 sprain tends to have more bruising and swelling. Often the person will spend time on crutches because walking will be too painful. Generally speaking, it will take 3-6 weeks to heal and get back to activity. This person will be spending time rehabbing their ankle, but too often the process does not go far enough…into the preventative steps.
Finally, a grade 3 sprain (or tear) results in significant damage to the ankle ligaments. This person will most certainly spend time in a protective boot and become skilled in using crutches. The rehab process will be much longer, on the order of 2-3 months or longer if surgery was required.
Regardless of severity proper effort must be put into preventing chronic ankle instability. This is a term used to refer to people who have persistent ankle issues following a sprain or often multiples. Quite often a person with chronic ankle instability will gradually reduce their activity level due to pain. Don’t let this condition come to limit your physical activity.
Take the steps necessary to prevent this from happening. For more information CLICK HERE to request a consultation.