Can you still walk if your ankle is sprained and swollen?

Generally speaking, whether one can still walk after a sprained and swollen ankle depends on the severity of the injury and individual symptoms. If there is severe pain, inability to bear weight, or progressively worsening swelling, it is recommended to immediately stop any activity and seek medical attention. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If swelling is mild after the sprain, with only slight redness locally, minimal pain upon pressing or slow movement, and no obvious limitation in motion, short-distance walking at a slow pace may be cautiously attempted. During walking, try to distribute weight evenly across the foot, avoid overloading the injured area, and have someone accompany you or use handrails for support to prevent re-falling. Monitor whether swelling or pain worsens after walking; if no abnormalities occur, light activity may continue.

If swelling is severe after the sprain, with skin turning purple or shiny, intense pain upon pressure, inability to rotate or bear weight on the foot, or even visible deformity, walking should be avoided entirely. Forcing walking could lead to further tearing of damaged ligaments and tendons, increased swelling and pain, joint instability, prolonged recovery time, or even chronic pain problems.

After an ankle sprain with swelling, stop all activity immediately and elevate the leg above heart level to reduce swelling. Apply cold compresses within the first 48 hours, 15–20 minutes at a time, to relieve pain. Avoid massaging the swollen area, as this may worsen the injury. If swelling persists or pain intensifies, seek medical evaluation promptly to rule out ligament tears or fractures. During recovery, wear loose-fitting shoes to avoid pressure on the injured area, and gradually increase activity levels.