Will My Sprained Ankle Heal on Its Own if I Wrap It in an Ace Bandage?

It’s one of the most common — and most inconvenient — injuries: a sprained ankle. You rely on your ankle to stabilize you as you move around. But you probably don’t give it much thought until it has a problem. Then, once you sprain it, you realize just how much you need it. 

Good news: In some cases, a sprained ankle will heal on its own. In others, though, it needs dedicated care. In this guide, Christopher Vittori, DPM, Ameet Thakrar, DPM, and our team help you understand how to care for a sprained ankle at home. We also show you when it’s time to make an appointment at one of our Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist offices in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois. 

Healing a sprained ankle at home

Some sprained ankles will heal on their own if given proper care.

First and foremost, get off that foot. The sprain is a sign that the ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles in your ankle are injured. If you keep walking on that ankle — even if you hobble along and try to be careful — you risk making the injury worse. That means a longer recovery time. 

Instead, get off the foot and apply the RICE method:

• Rest

• Ice for 15 minutes every few hours

• Compress it with a bandage (more on that next)

• Elevate the ankle 

All of these options help to reduce swelling. Applying compression with an Ace bandage can go a long way here. The trick is to know how to safely wrap your ankle. Follow these steps:

1. Wrap the bandage around the ball of your foot twice.
2. Make figure-eight wrappings around your foot and your ankle. 
3. Once your foot and ankle are fully wrapped, do two loops around your lower leg.
4. Fix the bandage in place with the included fastener. 

Note that the Ace bandage will compress your ankle, not immobilize it. That means this can help with swelling and healing, but it’s not a way to get back on your feet. Stay off the ankle until it feels better, or you’ll only make it worse. 

When to call a doctor

A minor sprained ankle should heal relatively quickly. If you follow all of these steps, many sprains will heal in as little as a day or two.

Check in with yourself at the 24-hour mark. If you still can’t walk normally at that point, schedule an appointment with us. No progress after a full day means the ankle likely won’t heal on its own. 

If it’s been 24 hours and you need care for your sprained ankle, call Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist or schedule an appointment online today.