Should a sprained ankle heal without rest or other treatment?

Maybe: Rice. Rest- 24 to 28 hrs. Avoid activities that require use of your ankle. Ice- for first 2 days after injury, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. A bag of frozen peas is good. Compression- you can wrap your foot, ankle & lower leg with an ace wrap. Make sure it is not so tight that it decreases your circulation. Elevate- elevate ankle above your heart. Can prop on a pillow.

Take much longer: Dr. Fowler has provided great steps for managing a sprained ankle. If you don't rest it though, the swelling, pain, and bruising will persist and healing will take longer. Depending on extent of injury, it can also be hard to tell a sprain from a fracture without xray. Pain may force you to stay off your foot for awhile. Unless you want a less stable ankle over time, resting it is essential.

Ankle sprain: To heal a sprained ankle, it depends on the severity of the sprain. If its a chronically sprained ankle with constant pain and instability, it will take longer than a mild outside sprain. Usually 3-4 weeks of rest, icing, antiinflammatory meds (like advil (ibuprofen) or motrin), bracing or compressing wraps, with or without physical therapy should the starting treatment. Hope that helped!