When someone says that they have an ankle sprain, it can bring to mind several things. An ankle with minor swelling, a brace, a boot, maybe even crutches. The term is so broad that an ‘ankle sprain’ can be any and all of these things. That’s why the injury can be further classified into ankle sprain grades running from 1-3. However, several people refer to the grades as mild, moderate, and several ankle sprains.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains involve a stretching or tearing injury to the ligaments of the ankle. Ligaments are strong band of connective tissue that connects the end of one bone with another to stabilize and support the body’s joints. A sprain can also be a stretched or torn joint capsule, which is a dense, fibrous connective tissue that is attached to the bones in a joint that seals the joint space.
How badly the ligaments or joint capsule are stretched or torn are what makes the ankle sprain grades different:
Grade 1 Ankle Sprain / Mild Ankle Sprain
Grade 1, or mild ankle sprains, occur with only a few ligament fibers in the ankle tear, or no tearing occurs and the ligaments are simply overstretched. No permanent damage is sustained, and the patient should still retain full weight-bearing and walking abilities. Mild ankle sprains will result in little to no pain, and will fully heal within a week or two. Patients with a mild sprain can treat their injury with over-the-counter pain medication and the R.I.C.E. method.
Grade 2 Ankle Sprain / Moderate Ankle Sprain
Grade 2, or moderate ankle sprains, result from more serious, yet still partial tearing of ankle ligaments. Patients with a grade 2 ankle sprain may experience bruising, tenderness, and swelling in the ankle. A moderate ankle sprain may affect weight-bearing abilities that result in a limp. With proper rest and rehabilitation, grade 2 sprains normally heal fully within 3-5 weeks. Treatment for moderate ankle sprains can include:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- The R.I.C.E. method
- Physical therapy
- Balance exercises
- Taping or bracing the ankle while recovery is in process
Grade 3 Ankle Sprain / Severe Ankle Sprain
Grade 3, or severe ankle sprains, occur when there is a complete rupture of one or more ligaments. This grade can result in substantial bruising, tenderness, and swelling, and enough pain that patients may experience a total loss of mobility or weight-bearing ability. The ankle will likely need to be supported with a brace, boot, or crutches. Serious cases may require surgery to repair the tissue. With proper exercises and recovery, severe ankle sprains commonly take 6-8 weeks to heal.
Because of the longer recovery period, severe ankle sprains need more specific treatment. So that the ligaments heal in a natural position, daily stretching and balance exercises should be a priority. Patients should remain off of their ankle until they have their doctor’s permission, and physical therapy should be a part of the healing process, especially if the injury results in surgery.
After An Ankle Sprain
One of the most important parts of recovering from an ankle sprain is following up with your treatment. Because the ligaments are at risk of healing in a stretched-out or unnatural way, completing physical therapy, balancing exercises, stretches, and staying off of the injury are crucial to recovery. The ligaments weaken once they are injured, which makes reinjury much more probable if steps are not taken to restrengthen them.
Need an Orthopaedic Doctor for Your Ankle Injury?
If you or someone you love has suffered an ankle injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
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