Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries in the United States today, with as many as 2 million acute ankle sprains reported annually. Not limited to age or gender, every segment of the country contributes to these statistics, ranging from children to the elderly, including both professional athletes and non-athletes, as well. Depending on the severity and upfront treatment, ankle sprain recovery time will vary with each occurrence.
Mild ankle sprains are often treated at home, so the number of sprains per year is most likely a much higher figure. However, it is always best to see a foot and ankle specialist to be sure that the sprain is not masking broken bones or other conditions. Without proper treatment, an ankle sprain can weaken ligaments and lead to long-term instability.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Ligaments protect the ankle. They stabilize the ankle and its movement. They also help keep the joint in the correct position and prevent it from moving excessively. When the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion, they sprain or sometimes tear. They are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, with a high incidence among physically active individuals.
What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are caused when you roll, turn or twist your ankle in an awkward way, pulling or tearing the ligaments that surround your ankle. Some things that can cause you to sprain an ankle are:
Environmental Factors
- Wet or slippery floors, icy surfaces, uneven walkways, rocky terrain.
Footwear
- Shoes or boots that do not fit properly or do not offer the support required for the activity.
Overwork
- Do you have fatigued muscles? Then you are more likely to sustain an injury.
Ankle Sprain Grades
Ankle sprains can differ in where the sprain is located as well as the severity of the strain. Ranging from mild to severe, the grading can give you an estimate, as well as what recovery time you can expect. It is always a good idea to see your foot and ankle specialist to determine the severity of your injury. He will check your ankle by gently pressing on the injury to determine which ligaments are injured, check your range of motion, and may even do an X-ray to check for fractures. Your doctor can then determine the grade of your injury and your prescribed treatment.
Grade 1 Ankle Sprain
Many people experience a Grade 1 ankle sprain. Though it can be caused by any of the three factors mentioned above, it is characterized by mild tenderness from a slight stretching of the ligament. You may feel pain and there may be some swelling. It may be painful to put weight on your ankle, but you should feel less pain when your foot and ankle are elevated.
Treatment
Generally, treatment for a Grade 1 ankle sprain is to follow the R.I.C.E. protocol. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Rest your ankle by not walking or putting any weight on it. Use the help of another person or a device such as a crutch or a walker to avoid putting your weight on the injury.
- Ice your ankle to reduce the swelling. For the first two to three days, or whenever the swelling subsides, intermittently use an ice pack every one or two hours.
- Compression with an elastic wrap not only helps to decrease the swelling but can also immobilize the ankle and keep it from further twisting or turning. Wear a wrap for the first day or two, but be careful not to wrap it too tightly. You may still have swelling in the wrapped area.
- Elevation with pillows, or in a recliner helps to reduce the amount of selling. Try to elevate above the heart, if possible.
Grade 1 Ankle Sprain Recovery Time
Recovery time will differ with the severity of the sprain, and the diligence you put into treatment. Generally, Grade 1 Ankle Sprains heal on an average of three weeks. Some people heal more quickly, while others take a bit longer. Spend the time following the RICE protocol for the fastest recovery time.
Grade 2 Ankle Sprain
Grade 2 Ankle Sprains are often characterized by moderate pain and a greater amount of swelling. There may be some partial tearing of the ligament. It is painful to put weight on your ankle, and your ankle may exhibit instability. You may also notice bruising on or near the injury.
Treatment
Grade 2 ankle sprain treatment is much the same as Grade 1. Use the same RICE treatment, but because the severity of the pain and swelling is worse, treatment may take longer. Add over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen if needed. Your doctor may choose to immobilize your ankle by putting you in a splint.
Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Recovery Time
Grade 2 ankle sprain recovery time can vary but averages around 6 weeks. Be sure that your foot and ankle specialist is monitoring your treatment and improvement.
Grade 3 Ankle Sprain
Grade 3 ankle sprains are the most severe and require treatment beyond the RICE protocol. At Grade 3, your ankle is highly swollen and unstable. You require a foot and ankle specialist, not only for diagnosis but also to prescribe and monitor your treatment regimen.
Treatment
Grade 3 puts you at risk for permanent ankle instability. If it is severe, your doctor may treat you by putting you in a cast or walking boot. Rehabilitation may be ordered to help strengthen and mobilize your ankle. Surgery is rarely prescribed. However, if you are a competitive athlete or if you have suffered multiple past ankle sprains, your doctor may need to surgically repair your ligaments.
Grade 3 Ankle Sprain Recovery Time
Grade 3 ankle sprain recovery time will take some patience. You can expect 4-6 weeks to recover depending on your particular injury. The recovery may include stability devices, physical rehabilitation, and medication. Recovery time may increase for required surgery.
Frankel Foot & Ankle Center
Your ankle sprain may be more serious than you think. Returning to normal activities too soon after a sprain, or failing to treat it in the first place can result in long-term ankle instability. At Frankel Foot & Ankle, we advise you have your ankle sprain checked sooner rather than later. Contact us to begin your recovery.
