A second-degree ankle sprain, also known as a grade 2 sprain, represents incomplete tearing of fibers within the ankle ligaments. Symptoms include moderate pain, tenderness and swelling. Bruising commonly appears within a few days of the injury. Physical examination reveals abnormal looseness within the ankle joint.
What does sprained ankle Grade 2 mean?
Grade 2 ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle become stretched or torn. In this type of ankle sprain, there is usually some pain in the ankle or foot but the joint is not unstable. Grade 2 sprains usually take about two to three weeks to recover from.
What does a Grade 2 ankle sprain look like?
What does a Grade 2 ankle sprain look like? 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.
What is the normal recovery time for a sprained ankle?
What’s the best way to treat an ankle sprain?
- RICE The first step after an injury is to: rest reduce the swelling prevent further injury The American Academy of Orthopaeidic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends: R: rest the ankle ...
- Recovery In the first 2 weeks following an injury, Sandow says that there can be a quick decrease of pain and an improvement in your ankle’s movement and ...
- Rehabilitation
When to seek treatment for ankle sprain?
When To Seek Treatment for An Ankle Ligament Tear. A good rule of thumb for an ankle sprain is to follow at-home treatment advice for two to three weeks. If the symptoms of pain, swelling and bruising haven’t reduced or you experience ongoing instability after the injury, you should get in touch with a specialist.
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.
Does a grade 2 ankle sprain need a boot?
Based upon this recent research, I recommend cast immobilization or a removable walking boot for seven to 10 days for all patients suffering a Grade II or III ankle sprain.
What are the 3 types of ankle sprains?
There are three types of ankle sprains based on how much ligament damage occurred:Grade 1 (Mild). The ligament fibers stretched slightly or there is a very small tear. ... Grade 2 (Moderate). The ligament is torn, but it isn't a complete tear. ... Grade 3 (Severe). The ligament is torn completely.
Can you walk in a second degree sprain?
Second Degree (Moderate). When this injury occurs, the ankle ligaments are more deeply torn, resulting more pain and swelling. There is bruising of the skin and pain with walking. There can be looseness and minor instability.
How long until you can walk on a grade 2 sprained ankle?
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.
Should I wear an ankle brace all day?
If you are using your ankle brace as a rehabilitative or treatment device you should wear your brace while performing any daily activities to provide more stability and prevent re-injury.
How do you treat a 2nd degree sprain?
Second Degree: The ankle ligaments are partially torn, causing bleeding, which results in ankle pain, swelling, bruising, and discoloration. Treatment requires ankle immobilization in a brace, splint, or similar device. Recovery may take 3 – 6 weeks.
What type of sprain takes the most time to heal?
A third degree sprain is a complete tear, which Sampsell says will take much longer to heal. This sprain will require some patience since you can expect anywhere from 3 to 6 months for recovery.
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.
Do I 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.
Will a grade 2 ankle sprain heal on its own?
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 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.
Should I wear a walking boot for a sprained ankle?
It is for comfort only and is not needed to aid healing. If you have not been given a boot, you should wear supportive footwear instead, such as trainers or walking boots. Painkillers are important to aid your recovery and should be used as required. The swelling is often worse at the end of the day.
How do you treat 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.
Do they give you a boot for a sprained ankle?
Your doctor might give you a cast, boot, or brace to wear. This will keep the ligaments and joint in place while they heal. It limits motion, provides protection, and helps reduce pain. You may need to wear it for 2 to 6 weeks.
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 to treat a second degree ankle sprain?
Bruising commonly appears within a few days of the injury. Physical examination reveals abnormal looseness within the ankle joint. Weight bearing typically proves difficult and painful. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that typical treatment of a second-degree ankle sprain includes short-term immobilization of the joint with an air splint 2. Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin provide pain relief. Rest, application of ice packs and foot elevation help reduce swelling . A prescribed course of physical therapy promotes restoration of function. Typical recovery time for a second-degree ankle sprain is one to two months, notes the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
What is the first degree of ankle sprain?
First-Degree Sprain. First-degree ankle sprains reflect slight stretching of the ankle ligaments with a low level of damage to the constituent fibers. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that mild tenderness may occur 2. Swelling is minimal and bruising proves uncommon with first-degree ankle sprains.
How long does it take for a first degree ankle sprain to heal?
According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, first-degree ankle sprains heal in approximately four to six weeks. First-degree ankle sprains reflect slight stretching of the ankle ligaments with a low level of damage to the constituent fibers. Swelling is minimal and bruising proves uncommon with first-degree ankle sprains.
What is ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the joint twists or extends beyond its normal limits of flexibility, causing stretching or tearing of the fibrous ligaments that hold the anklebones together. The three degrees of ankle sprains reflect the severity of the ligamentous injury.
Can a third degree ankle sprain cause permanent instability?
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center notes that third-degree ankle sprains may result in permanent, residual instability of the joint, increasing the risk for repeat ankle injuries. Severe ankle sprains that fail to respond to immobilization and physical therapy may require surgical reconstruction of the torn ligament.
Can a first degree ankle sprain cause swelling?
Swelling is minimal and bruising proves uncommon with first-degree ankle sprains. Physical examination reveals minimal looseness of the joint. Treatment includes resting the ankle by refraining from participation in sports or recreational activities that would strain the ankle.
What is a sprained ankle?
A sprained ankle is a very common injury. A sprained ankle can happen to athletes and non-athletes, children and adults. It can happen when you take part in sports or even by stepping on an uneven surface. Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists, turns or rolls beyond its normal motions.
What is a grade 2 sprain?
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. Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament (s) with severe swelling and bruising.
What causes ankle sprains?
Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists, turns or rolls beyond its normal motions. A sprain can also occur if the foot is planted unevenly on a surface, beyond the normal force of stepping. This causes the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range in an abnormal position. A ligament is an elastic structure.
How many grades of ankle sprains are there?
There are three grades for ankle sprains determined by the amount of force. Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain.
What is the best treatment for a sprained ankle?
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be used to control pain and inflammation with a sprain. Surgery may be considered in younger, athletically active patients. If an ankle sprain isn't treated with the necessary attention and care, chronic problems of pain and instability can result.
What is ligament in anatomy?
A ligament is an elastic structure. Ligaments usually stretch within their limits, and then go back to their normal positions. When a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain occurs. A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers.
How to heal a broken ankle?
Rest your ankle and try not to walk on it. Use compression dressings and wraps to immobilize and support the ankle. Grade 2: Utilize the R.I.C.E. guidelines and allow more time for healing to occur. An immobilization device or splint is also recommended.
What are the symptoms of a second degree ankle sprain?
Mild joint stiffness . Difficulty jogging or jumping. Second degree symptoms - a second degree ankle sprain is the most common of ankle injuries and is a partial tearing of the ligament. Symptoms include: Significant swelling. Bruising. Moderate pain. Some loss of motion or use of the ankle. Trouble walking.
What is the severity of an ankle sprain?
The Severity of the Ankle Sprain. First degree symptoms - a first degree ankle sprain is when the ligaments have been stretched but not torn. Symptoms include: Second degree symptoms - a second degree ankle sprain is the most common of ankle injuries and is a partial tearing of the ligament.
What is the best ankle brace for a sprained ankle?
The Aircast Air-stirrup Ankle Brace is the #1 doctor prescribed ankle brace in history and has been cited in more than 100 medical journals for its superior performance in helping to heal ankle injuries. Each brace has anatomically designed shells lined with the patented Duplex aircell system that provides support and produce graduated compression during ambulation.
What is the most severe ankle injury?
Third degree symptoms - a third degree ankle sprain is the most severe of ankle injuries. With this sprain, the ligament has been torn completely. Symptoms include:
What is ligament in ankle?
Ligaments are structures in every joint in the body that help control the joint's movement. The ligament will become injured if it is stretched too far and could result in a partial or complete tear. There are two different types of an ankle sprain. The inversion ankle sprain is the most common type of sprain and occurs when ...
What causes ankle sprains?
Any movement that suddenly twists the foot beyond the natural range of motion can cause an ankle sprain such as... Landing wrong when jumping or running on to an uneven surface. Stepping off a curb wrong. Slipping on ice. Tripping on a hole in the ground.
Where does pain occur in the ankle?
Pain occurs on the outside of the ankle and not on the inside of the ankle. The eversion ankle sprain occurs when the foot is twisted outwards and the inner ligament is stretched too far. Pain will occur on the inside, and not the outside, of the ankle.
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:
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 a lateral ankle sprain?
What Is a Lateral Ankle Sprain? It is a common injury in sports or extreme activities where the whole weight of the body is suddenly transferred to the foot bearing all the weight.
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.
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 a lateral ankle sprain?
What Is a Lateral Ankle Sprain? It is a common injury in sports or extreme activities where the whole weight of the body is suddenly transferred to the foot bearing all the weight.
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.
What is a second-grade ankle sprain?
Partial tear: Sprains are graded one, two, or three. Grade one is a stretching of the ligament essentially with retained stability. Grade two is a partial tear of the ligament with some loss of support allowing the joint to open up to a degree but with a distinct end point. Grade three is a complete tear of the ligament with loss of stability.
What should I do with a (grade iii) ankle sprain?
Not much: Often times need surgery and if not strict immobilization with non- weight bearing.
How do I know if my ankle is sprain or broken?
Can't walk if broken: You can still walk on a sprained ankle, although it may be very swollen and even feel unstable if the sprain is severe. A sprain means that you have torn ligament fibers. With a broken ( fractured) ankle the bones are unstable. The sharp, broken edges pull on the sensitive tissues surrounding the bone and cause extreme pain. With this combination it is usually too painful to stand, much less walk.
How would i know if i sprained my ankle?
Ankle pain/swelling: Signs & symptoms of an ankle sprain include localized swelling and pain over the front of the ankle just in front of the bony prominence of the fibula. If the bone is the major focus of pain an x-ray is required to make sure you do not have a fracture. Most acute sprains make walking difficult and running impossible especially for the moderate to severe sprain. Side to side motion is also painful.
What is the term for a twisted ankle?
Ankle Sprain: In most cases people tend to use the terms "sprained" and "twisted" synonomously when describing ankle injuries. However, it is important to point out in most cases a sprain ( ligament damage) usually comes from a twisting mechanism (also known as inversion or eversion) of the ankle. Pain, swelling and possible bruising are all signs of a sprain. Rest, ice, elevate, compression to help recover.
What does it mean when your ankle hurts?
Ankle pain/swelling: Signs & symptoms of an ankle sprain include localized swelling and pain over the front of the ankle just in front of the bony prominence of the fibula. If the bone is the major focus of pain an x-ray is required to make sure you do not have a fracture.
What is a severe sprain?
Severe sprain: with tearing of multiple ankle ligaments. possible tendon rupture, possible avulsion fracture, with associated severe pain, swelling and limitation of motion. Often associated with large hematoma formation.
