Medication
- Taking an over-the-counter pain killer. ...
- Resting and icing the foot. ...
- Improving your form when exercising (more on this below) and wearing more supportive shoes with inserts.
- Changing your sneakers/shoes when exercising is usually the first step, which might include wearing orthotic inserts for support. ...
Procedures
Use the PRICE method.
- Protection. To prevent further injury, the sprained ankle must be immobilized immediately. ...
- Rest. Whether your sprained ankle is mild or severe, keep it at rest for the time being. ...
- Ice. The next course of action is ice. ...
- Compression. Compression involves applying pressure to the sprained ankle and its surrounding areas to reduce swelling.
- Elevation. ...
Therapy
There is no specific time frame that sprained ankle recover. While we do know that the ligaments themselves will take at least six weeks to heal, your muscle strength, the range of motion, proprioception, and return to function can vary considerably. Here are some general guidelines.
Self-care
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
Nutrition
What is the best way to treat an ankle sprain?
How to make a sprained ankle heal faster?
How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
What is the normal recovery time for a sprained ankle?
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.
What is the typical treatment for an ankle sprain?
Rest. 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.
What are the different grades of sprained ankles?
Classification of Ankle SprainsGradeSigns and symptomsI: partial tear of a ligamentNo mechanical instability (negative clinical stress examination)II: incomplete tear of a ligament, with moderate functional impairmentModerate pain and swellingMild to moderate ecchymosisTenderness over involved structures8 more rows•Jan 1, 2001
What is the treatment for a 3rd degree lateral ankle sprain?
Third-degree ankle sprains with serious damage often need surgery for optimum outcomes. Pieces of torn ligament must be removed and the ligament reconstructed. The torn ligament is repaired with stitches or sutures.
How long does a grade 3 ankle sprain take to heal?
Third degree or grade 3 ankle sprain 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.
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.
What is the difference between a 1st 2nd and 3rd degree 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.
Does a Grade 3 ankle sprain require surgery?
A Grade 3 sprain can be associated with permanent instability. Surgery is rarely needed. A short leg cast or a cast-brace may be used for two weeks to three weeks. Rehabilitation is used to help to decrease pain and swelling and to prevent chronic ankle problems.
How do I know if I have a Grade 3 ankle sprain?
Grade 3: This is a full tear of the ankle ligament. You may have heard a popping sound when it happened. This level of sprain causes severe pain, swelling and bruising. Because the ligament is no longer able to do its job, your ankle will feel unstable and will be unable to support any of your weight.
What is a Level 2 ankle sprain?
A Grade 2 sprain is considered to be moderate and is characterized by some, but not all, of the ligament fibers being torn. The affected ankle and foot are often painful and moderately bruised or swollen, but the stability of the ankle joint is generally not affected.
What is a Grade 2 lateral ankle sprain?
Grade 2 Sprain (Moderate) • Partial tearing of anterior talofibular ligament and some tearing of the calcaneofibular ligament. • Moderate tenderness and swelling around the ankle, typically will take 2-3 weeks to recover.
How is a third degree sprain treated?
TreatmentRICE.REST: Avoid weight-bearing on the ankle. ... ICE: Ice can be applied as an ice pack, an ice bath, or an ice massage. ... COMPRESSION: A tense wrap of the ankle will help lessen the swelling and bruising. ... ELEVATION: Raising the ankle above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and bruising. ... OUT AND UP.More items...
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 heal a sprained ankle?
To help your sprained ankle heal, you’ll need to ease the pain and bring down the swelling. Make an appointment right away for any ankle sprain, mild or severe. Your doctor will examine you and let you know if something more serious is wrong with your ankle.
What to do if your ankle is swollen and painful?
If your ankle is painful and swollen, remove ankle bracelets or toe rings right away. Then try the “RICE” method to ease your symptoms. RICE stands for “rest, ice, compress, and elevate.” Here’s how it works:
How to tell if you have a dislocated ankle?
Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: Severe pain, bruising, or severe swelling. Bleeding, numbness, or change in color of the affected area. Your ankle looks deformed or seems dislocated. You can't put any weight on it.
Anatomy of an ankle sprain
The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion injury, or lateral ankle sprain. The foot rolls inward, damaging the ligaments of the outer ankle — the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament. (Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone; see illustration.)
When to see your doctor
Unless your symptoms are mild or improving soon after the injury, contact your clinician. He or she may want to see you immediately if your pain and swelling are severe, or if the ankle feels numb or won't bear weight.
How to strengthen your ankle after a sprain
To recover from an ankle sprain fully, you'll need to restore the normal range of motion to your ankle joint and strengthen its ligaments and supporting muscles.
What are the two types of ankle sprains?
Types of Ankle Sprains. There are two different basic classifications of ankle sprains: Anatomic (the level severity of damage to tissues in the ankle) and functional (the level an injury affects a patient’s ability to walk or put weight on the ankle).
What is a grade 1 ankle sprain?
Grade I ankle sprain – lateral ligaments are strained (overstretched) Grade II ankle sprain – partial tearing of one or several of these ligaments. Grade III ankle sprain – complete rupture (tear) one or more of the lateral ligaments.
How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?
Patients usually reach a maximum benefit at 6 to12 weeks. Any patient who exhibits recurrent sprains, ankle rolling or other instability after that time or has associated injuries such as swelling, locking or catching may be a candidate for surgery.
How to reduce swelling in the immediate post-injury period?
This can be accomplished by a compressive wrap, icing for 20 minutes at least twice a day and wearing a CAM walker boot or ankle brace to provide protected weightbearing.
What does it mean when your ankles roll over?
What this means is that the muscles that protect the ankle from rolling over may not protect patients as well when they are walking on uneven ground.
How long does it take to recover from a grade II injury?
These grading systems can also predict timelines for recovery, which range from 1 to 2 weeks (Grade I) to 6 to 8 weeks (Grade III).
Can a sprain in the ankle cause a sprain in the ankle?
It is not clear how many cases of chronic ankle sprain result from a single, initial ankle sprain. However, many doctors report that damage to the nerve receptors around the ankle and the weakening of the lateral (outside) ankle ligaments are likely to cause additional ankle sprains.
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.
How to prevent ankle sprains?
Here are some additional prevention steps: Wear good shoes. Warm up before doing exercises and vigorous activities. Pay attention to surfaces on which you run and walk.
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 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.
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.
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 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 happens if you sprain your ankle?
During a 2nd-degree ankle sprain, increased stretching and possible tearing occur on the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Increased pain will also occur as well as swelling around the entire ankle. To properly treat a 2nd-degree ankle sprain while outdoors, ...
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.
What is the most severe ankle sprain?
Third Degree Ankle Sprains. A 3rd-degree ankle sprain is the most severe of all ankle sprains. It usually consists of major tearing and stretching along the ankle joint ligaments. You need to seek immediate medical help if a 3rd-degree an kle sprain occurs. However, if a medical facility is not within immediate reach, a few steps must be followed.
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.
What is the grade system for ankle sprains?
The traditional grading system for ankle sprains helps to determine the severity of the injury, guide treatment and establish prognosis. This system provides general guidelines; however, variations within this framework do occur.
What is the most common type of ankle sprain?
When the foot rolls inward and the ankle moves outward, an inversion sprain occurs. This is the most common type of ankle sprain . During an inversion ankle sprain, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are overstretched and can even tear. The traditional grading system for ankle sprains helps to determine the severity of the injury, ...
What is a grade 3 ankle injury?
Grade III ankle injuries involve complete ruptures of one or more of the ankle ligaments. These injuries create significant pain, swelling and bruising. Often, a golf ball sized lump of swelling will be present at the painful area. Most patients with a Grade III sprain are unable to bear weight on the injured ankle.
What is the least severe ankle sprain?
A Grade I ankle sprain is the least severe. This is a stretching of one or more of the ligaments which results in mild pain and tenderness. Usually, the patient can bear weight and has only mild stiffness in the ankle joint. With a Grade I injury, treatment includes the classic RIICE: Rest, Ice, Immobilization, Compression and Elevation.
Can you bear weight on a Grade III ankle sprain?
Most patients with a Grade III sprain are unable to bear weight on the injured ankle. Treatment of these injuries often begins with immobilization in a non-weightbearing cast or pneumatic boot with crutches.
What is grade 3 ankle sprain?
A grade 3 ankle sprain is the most severe and serious of the 3 different grades of sprained ankle. It can mean significant tearing or possibly a complete rupture of the ligaments in the ankle.
What is the best way to heal an ankle?
And so, an ankle rehab program is the best bet to ensure a safe, healthy and full recovery. In the beginning, you will need to take things very slowly and gently.
How does ankle strengthening help?
Dramatically improve ankle strength for overall protection . Dramatically improve ankle mobility for healthy range of motion in the ankle joint. Dramatically improve balance, coordination and agility for increased athletic performance. Dramatically improve the ability to generate power in the ankles and calves.
How to heal a swollen ankle?
Most importantly, you need a first rate ankle rehab program that does the following: Remove swelling from the ankle by improving lymphatic drainage. Improve the flow of the first wave of healthy immune cells to remove waste. Encourage a second wave of immune cells to repair and regenerate healthy tissue.
Can a sprained ankle be a long term injury?
And since a grade 3 sprain is the most serious, it puts you at even greater risk for long term issues. Remember, your ankle is the base of ALL your movement, so it is critical to heal it correctly ...
Can you move your ankle without pain?
Complete tearing or rupture of ankle ligaments. Ankle is extremely unstable. Tremendous amount of pain, bruising and swelling. It will be difficult or impossible to put any pressure on that foot (i.e.inability to walk) Extremely difficult to move the ankle at all without pain.
Can you put ice on your ankle?
So, make sure your ankle is in a comfortable position for most of the day. And, as a general note, we strongly recommend avoiding ice, unless otherwise suggested by your physician. A lot of research has recently come out showing that ice is great as a short term pain reliever, but terrible for healing your ankle.
