Feb
I recently sprained my ankle playing netball, but i want to start playing again as soon as possible.
What would you say was the minimum time i would need to take out before being fit enough to play again?
Answer:
It all depends on your comfort level and your degree of injury. Every sprain is different (especially self-diagnosed). The main thing you need to worry about is controlling the immidiate pain and swelling and later preventing re-injury.
Right now: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
As far as rest goes, just don't run or jump on it, but try to walk on it whenever possible to keep it from getting stiff.
With ice, you want to ice your ankle twenty minutes on/twenty minutes off for two hours a day for three days. If you can try to do it in an ice bath (a tub or bucket of ice water) it is really cold, but really works.
For compression, just keep it wrapped in an ace bandage for a few days (not too tight).
For elevation just keep it propped up when you’re sitting down or sleeping.
All of these will help the pain and swelling to go down quicker so you can get back to playing again.
Once you are comfortable walking again (without any limp) start light jogging unless the pain is too much. Once you can jog, start to run, then sprint (all in straight lines)! Lastly, you can re-introduce cutting and stopping and starting, since they’re the hardest on the ankle.
If you have access to an athletic trainer, I'd ask them to tape your ankle for you, but if not, you might want to invest in an ankle brace, because once you hurt it, it is more prone to get re-injured.
If it is a mild sprain the whole process should take anywhere from 2-3 weeks, more severe sprains take anywhere from 3-6 weeks.
Good luck and hope this helps!!