Summarize the following:
You should also treat a severe sprain with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, while a less serious sprain can heal within 2 to 4 weeks or less, a severe sprain can take months to heal. Keep weight off of your foot and stick with RICE treatment throughout the healing process. A severe sprain involves significant ligament damage. In order to heal, your foot needs to be immobilized as much as possible. Your doctor will provide you with an immobilization cast or boot and let you know how long to wear it. The most serious sprains may require surgery. If you have severe ligament damage, your primary doctor will likely refer you to a podiatrist, or foot specialist. After surgical reconstruction, you'll have to wear a boot for 4 to 8 weeks. Depending on your injury's severity, you'll start physical therapy 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. It could take anywhere from 16 weeks to 12 months to fully recover.
Continue with RICE and allow 6 to 8 months for severe sprains to heal. Wear an immobilizing cast according to your doctor's instructions. Discuss surgical treatments if your ligaments are seriously damaged.