How long does a Grade 2 ankle sprain take to heal?
It causes a little swelling and some pain. It takes an average of three weeks to heal, meaning some people recover faster and some need 4-5 weeks. A grade 2 sprain means 50% of the ligament has torn. You have more swelling and pain than a grade 1 and less range of motion and weight-bearing ability. Grade 2 sprains generally take 4-6 weeks to heal.
What is a 2nd degree ankle sprain?
Second Degree Ankle Sprains. A 2nd-degree ankle sprain is still only a moderate ankle sprain. It commonly occurs when a 1st-degree ankle sprain is left without treatment. During a 2nd-degree ankle sprain, increased stretching and possible tearing occur on the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint.
How long should you rest a 1st degree ankle sprain?
In order to properly treat a 1st-degree ankle sprain while outdoors, take two to three hours rest from the activity at play and elevate the ankle while lying down. Allowing the time to rest will greatly improve ankle recovery as long as there’s no weight applied.
Do I need surgery for an ankle sprain?
It is rare to do a surgery for an ankle sprain. Most minor ankle sprains are treated via functional rehabilitation programs. Ankle sprain recovery time will be shorter if you follow your doctor’s directions to the letter. Generally, there are 6 phases of rehabilitation. 1. Protection of the injury: Controlling the Swelling and Relieving pain
How long should you rest a Grade 2 ankle sprain?
Grade 2 ankle sprains involve greater injury to the ligament and can take up 4-6 weeks to allow full return to sport. Grade 3 injuries are more severe in nature and often involve full tearing of the ligament and possible bone fracture. The length of time to recover from grade 3 ankle sprains could be 3 months or more.
Can you walk with a Grade 2 ankle sprain?
The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Although it feels somewhat stable, the damaged areas are tender to the touch and walking is painful.
What is the fastest way to heal a Grade 2 ankle sprain?
TreatmentRest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. ... Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ... Elevation.
How long does a grade 2 sprained ankle stay swollen?
Symptoms. The amount of pain and swelling you experience will depend on the amount of stretching and tearing of the ligament. Instability occurs when there has been complete tearing of the ligament or a complete dislocation of the ankle joint. Swelling and pain typically last 2-3 days.
How long should I wear an ankle support after a sprain?
Physicians often recommend that you wear a brace during activities for up to 12 months after an ankle sprain.
How long should I stay off a sprained ankle?
Depending on the severity of the injury, she advises patients to avoid any impact on the injured ankle, including running and other athletic pursuits, for four-to-six weeks before gradually working up to previous levels.
How can I speed up my ankle recovery?
TreatmentRest. Avoid doing the activity that caused the sprain, such as running or playing sports. ... Ice. Using ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain.Compression. Taping the sprained toe to an adjacent healthy toe can be helpful. ... Elevation.
Should I wrap a sprained ankle at night?
Most experts recommend that you only wrap your ankle during the day for support and protection, while you continue to ice, elevate and rest the injury. While some people feel a sense of comfort from a compression wrap at night—unless it provides pain relief, you shouldn't have your ankle wrapped while you sleep.
Do you need crutches for a sprained ankle?
Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area for 48 to 72 hours, so you may need to use crutches. A splint or brace also may be helpful initially. But don't avoid all activity. Even with an ankle sprain, you can usually still exercise other muscles to minimize deconditioning.
When is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
Grade 1 sprains cause little damage to the ligaments, and although the ankle will be tender for a few days, you can walk on it after a short period of rest. Grade 2 sprains have some tearing of the tissues and a longer recovery time of up to 4 weeks.
What helps ligaments heal faster?
How to Heal Strained Ligaments FasterApply ice to the strained ligament to alleviate pain and swelling. ... Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, to repair strained ligaments. ... Engage in physical therapy once swelling and pain has decreased. ... Get surgery if the ligament is severely torn.
Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?
Do not walk on a sprained ankle. The inflamed tissue needs time to heal, and walking on it too soon may cause more damage. Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that can occur from playing sports or from everyday activities.
What should I do with a grade 2 ankle sprain?
For a Grade 2 sprain, a removable plastic device, such as a walking boot or aircast brace, can provide support. Grade 3 sprains may require a short leg cast or cast-brace for 10 to 14 days. In most cases, swelling and pain will last 2 to 3 days.
Should I see a doctor for a grade 2 ankle sprain?
You probably won't need to see your doctor about a sprain. But give them a call if: Your pain is severe or doesn't get better with over-the-counter medications, elevation, and ice. You can't walk, or you have severe pain when you do.
Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?
Yes. That's the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.
Do grade 2 sprains require surgery?
A grade 2 sprained ankle will result in significant swelling and bruising. It is possible, though not as likely, to need surgery for a grade 2 sprain, depending on the severity of the sprain. It can take well over a month to fully heal from a grade 2 sprain.
How long does it take to heal a sprained ankle?
Grade 1 sprained ankle recovery time is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month , normally closer to the two-week mark with proper treatment. A grade 1 sprained ankle can be treated almost entirely at home. The pain is fairly minor, if difficult to deal with. However, “home treatment” doesn’t mean “no treatment”.
How long does it take to heal a grade 2 ankle injury?
Being just a little more severe than a grade 1 sprained ankle, grade 2 sprained ankle recovery time tends to last between 6 and 8 weeks. A grade 2 sprained ankle should not be treated at home unless you or someone who can care for you is a medical professional. Grade 2 sprained ankles often involve a partial tear in ligaments. Several things, such as too much pressure or even a minor second injury, can severely compound the ligament tear. A doctor is likely to tell you to treat the injury at home but will be able to provide more clarity in how you should go about that.
How to tell if you have a grade 2 sprained ankle?
The most immediate sign of a grade 2 sprained ankle is bruising and swelling. When the sprain is received, the ankle should begin to swell almost immediately, and bruising should follow soon after. A grade 2 sprained ankle causes moderate pain, swelling of the joint, and some joint instability.
What does a grade 3 ankle sprain mean?
Finally, you might receive a grade 3 ankle sprain. If you do, you need to forget the idea of home treatment. A grade 3 sprained ankle could mean ligamentous rupture, which can cause permanent damage to the joint. Besides that, bruising and swelling will be extensive.
How often do you sprain your ankle?
Orthopedists deal with sprained ankles just about every day. They’re the most common injury by a landslide and a sort of inevitability. Most people sprain their ankle at least once in life, and especially active people tend to do it a few times. However, each sprained ankle requires it’s own care and diagnosis.
What is the least severe ankle sprain?
A grade 1 ankle sprain is the least severe and, accordingly, requires the least amount of time to recover. A grade 1 sprain occurs when there is only minor damage, and stretching of the ligaments. If you are suffering from a grade 1 sprain, you will feel only a little soreness.
Can you rest your ankle after a sprained ankle?
However, if you’ve done significant damage to the ankle, you could be resting it for a while. Here’s a breakdown of what sprained ankle recovery time looks like, and what you should expect if you sprain your ankle.
What is a grade 2 ankle sprain?
Grade 2 Ankle Sprain. Symptoms. A grade 2 ankle sprain is considered a moderate injury. It is not as severe as a grade 3, but definitely more serious than a grade 1 sprain. Grade 2 usually means partial tearing of the ligaments in the ankle. Of course, before you do anything else, you should get an x-ray to rule out a fracture.
What is HEM ankle rehab?
HEM Ankle Rehab is a complete system, which will show you how to heal a grade 2 ankle sprain fully and fast. We designed it to ensure it is safe, all natural and extremely easy to do. It doesn’t matter how new or old that grade 2 ankle sprain is… HEM will show you exactly how to heal it safely and fully.
How long does it take to recover from HEM?
The HEM Ankle Rehab program gets people walking normally again, pain free in 5-10 days and significantly lowers the risk of re-injury. That means you will not need ankle braces, tape or wraps. You will be walking, running and jumping pain free and with full power without the fear of spraining your ankles again.
What is the best ankle rehab program?
Here’s a quick overview of all the things a good ankle rehab program will do for you: Encourage the flow of the first wave of Macrophages to remove cellular debris. Encourage a second wave of Macrophages to repair and regenerate healthy tissue in the ankle.
How does HEM help with healing?
HEM dramatically improves the quality and speed of the healing process by supporting and improving the body’s natural response to an injury. You can expect a significant improvement in healthy range of motion in the ankles, feet and calves… you can expect much more strength and stability in the ankles… and you can expect improved overall movement (balance, agility, speed, jumping, etc.).
What happens if you don't move your ankle?
That’s bad! Remember, every movement you make in the lower body begins with the foot, ankle and calf. It is the base of your body. You need that area to be mobile and healthy to have good athletic performance and pain free movement patterns.
Is ankle stiffness bad for you?
The ankle can stay weak, unstable and stiff, potentially for life. That’s bad! Remember, every movement you make in the lower body begins with the foot, ankle and calf. It is the base of your body. You need that area to be mobile and healthy to have good athletic performance and pain free movement patterns.
How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
Depending on the severity of the sprain, a sprained ankle generally heals within 2 to 12 weeks of home management with proper treatment.
What is ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a type of injury that involves excessive stretching or tears in the ligaments that support the ankle. It is one of the most common sports injuries (about 25 percent of all sports injuries) and affects about two million people each year.
What is the ligament that is injured in the ankle?
Several ligaments are present in the ankle, but the one most commonly injured is the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). This ligament is present on the outside (laterally) of the ankle. Most types of ankle sprain involve rolling outward of the ankle coupled with the inward turning of the foot. This mainly injures the ligaments present on the lateral side. When the ankle rolls inward with the foot turning outward, the ligaments on the inner side may be damaged.
What is the role of ligaments in the ankle?
Ligaments are strong, tough, ropy soft tissue structures that help maintain the stability and strength of the ankle joint. They connect the bones involved in the ankle joint to each other and cartilage to joints.
Overview
A sprained ankle is a common injury when the tissue that connects your ankle bones and supports your ankle (ligaments) is torn or stretched beyond its limits, often after a fall, ankle roll or twist.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider will diagnose your sprained ankle after a physical examination of your foot and ankle to identify your range of motion and determine which ligaments are affected. The physical exam is typically followed by an imaging test, like an X-ray.
Management and Treatment
For the majority of ankle sprains, healthcare providers recommend using the PRICE method for the first 24-48 hours after injury. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Living With
After treating your sprain with the PRICE method, you'll need to build back flexibility and strength in your ankle. Perform exercises recommended by your healthcare provider or physical therapist to improve your range of motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between a high ankle sprain and an ankle sprain depends on the location and ligaments that were injured. Ankle sprains are grouped into two location-based categories:
What Should You Do to Shorten Ankle Sprain Recovery Time?
It is rare to do a surgery for an ankle sprain. Most minor ankle sprains are treated via functional rehabilitation programs. Ankle sprain recovery time will be shorter if you follow your doctor’s directions to the letter. Generally, there are 6 phases of rehabilitation.
How to heal a broken ankle?
If you take proper care of the injured ankle, the ligaments will heal. However, you should make sure that the scar tissue is formed well to prevent it from tearing again in future. You should do guided exercises as well as get massages to lengthen the healing scar tissue.
How to get back to high speed after ankle injury?
When an ankle is injured, both proprioception and balance are affected, and to get back to high speed activities, the two aspects must be retrained and assessed . A physiotherapist will assist you in exercise, which will address the two issues and avoid recurrence of the sprain. 6. Get Back to Sport.
What are ligaments in ankles?
Ligaments are elastic structures that hold the ankle bones together. They make sure that the bones do not make abnormal movements like twisting, rolling of the foot and turning. The elasticity of the ligaments is limited so that when they are stretched to the extreme, a sprain will occur.
How many people sprain their ankles?
Statistics have estimated that about 25,000 people sprain their ankles on a daily basis. You might sprain your ankle as a result of losing balance and the pain disappears immediately and you continue walking.
What does it mean when your ankle pops?
If you sprain your ankle and feel a pop, then chances are that you have a serious sprain. Regardless of the kind of sprain that you might have suffered, you are likely more concerned about the amount of time it will take before you get back to your normal routine. Read on to find out how long it will take you to recover from the injury.
What muscles do you need to strengthen after an ankle sprain?
Get Muscle Strength Back. After you get an ankle sprain, your foot, calf and ankle muscles will need strengthening. For normal ankle controlling and functioning, it is necessary to have your normal muscle strength back.
What to do with a sprained ankle?
With your basic know-how on sprained ankle treatment, you are now better prepared to handle injuries you or a party may incur at home and outdoors. Your knowledge could also help you avoid the mishap, after all, being more conscious of the possibilities of an injury.
How to treat a 3rd degree ankle sprain?
If possible, apply ice to the inju red area or cold water. Reducing the temperature around the ankle will also help to reduce additional swelling and may provide temporary comfort from pain. While treating a 3rd-degree ankle sprain, be sure to also seek medical attention if hiking, camping, or while out in the woods.
What is the most common ankle injury?
A first-degree ankle sprain is a minor ankle sprain and is considered the most common of all ankle injuries. Even if just a small twist of the ankle occurs, it is still important to properly address the injury. A first-degree ankle sprain also consists of mild tenderness and pain along the joint and ligaments surrounding the ankle.
What is compressing ankle?
Compress includes wrapping a sprained ankle or even a makeshift sling for an injured arm. The last step in the R.I.C.E formula is to elevate which especially applies to ankle sprains. Elevating an injury is very important as elevating greatly reduces further injury.
How painful is an ankle sprain?
Ankle sprains are painful and if left untreated can escalate in degrees of severity. Most ankle sprains consist of a twist of the ankle and a few minutes of minor pain.
How to treat a swollen ankle?
Immediately wrap and elevate the injured ankle. This will ensure no additional edema flows into the injured area and help reduce additional swelling. Elevating the injured ankle will ensure no additional weight is applied to the ankle. If possible, apply ice to the injured area or cold water.
Why wrap ankle joint?
Constant elevation must also occur. Wrapping the ankle joint will also be necessary as this will reduce the amount of edema flowing through the injured area.