{"id":3136,"date":"2026-02-26T12:07:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T11:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fysi.nl\/?p=3136"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:14:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T11:14:42","slug":"sprained-ankle-keep-walking-or-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fysi.nl\/en\/blog\/enkel-verzwikt-wel-of-niet-doorlopen\/","title":{"rendered":"Sprained ankle: should you keep going or not, and how do you build up safely?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this blog, you will get clear answers, practical steps for the first few days, and a safe build-up towards work, daily life, and sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a sprained ankle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a sprain, the ankle ligaments and capsule stretch due to a sudden twist of the foot. This can happen while running, jumping, tackling, or simply stepping on an uneven paving stone. The terms twisted ankle and sprained ankle are often used interchangeably. In the first phase, the focus is on reducing weight-bearing, limiting swelling, and maintaining controlled movement within your pain tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Symptoms of a sprained ankle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Typical signs are pain on the outside of the ankle, swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours, stiffness after sitting, and sometimes bruising. Walking may feel wobbly, especially when rolling off the foot or climbing stairs. Applying pressure to the painful band is usually sensitive. If you notice that it increases after a short walk or a day of work, your load is still just slightly too high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To keep walking or not with a sprained ankle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may continue walking if it is in a straight line, short, and within your pain tolerance, and the ankle is not excessively swollen or painful the next day. If you notice a significant increase in pain or swelling during or after walking, step down a level. Postpone twisting, jumping, sprinting, and rapid sideways movements until the ankle is more settled and you are walking steadily again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can you do in the first few days?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n