It is important to discontinue ankle immobilization during this phase to avoid stiffness.

Proprioception (balance) retraining exercises.

Is typically initiated early and includes functional rehabilitation that focuses on:.

Walking may be difficult during this time, and your doctor may recommend that you use crutches as needed.

In most cases, swelling and pain will last 2 to 3 days.

Grade 3 sprains may require a short leg cast or cast-brace for 10 to 14 days.

For a Grade 2 sprain, a removable plastic device, such as a walking boot or aircast brace, can provide support.

Early weightbearing as tolerated is typically recommended during this phase.

Includes a short period of immobilization, rest, and ice to reduce the swelling.

Even a complete ligament tear (Grade 3) will heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized and rehabilitated appropriately.Ī three-phase program guides treatment for all ankle sprains - from mild to severe: Phase 1 Nearly all isolated low ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. If you have difficulty bearing weight, or tenderness in the bones of the foot and ankle, you may need additional tests to rule out a fracture. Your doctor may be able to tell the severity of your ankle sprain based on the amount of swelling, pain, bruising, and stability. Your doctor may manipulate or pull your ankle in several directions in a controlled manner to assess the stability of the ankle joint.

The doctor may move your ankle in different directions however, it may be difficult to move a stiff, swollen ankle. Your doctor will gently press around the ankle to determine which ligaments are injured. Palpation. Tenderness is often limited to the area directly over the injured ligaments.Often, the sprained ankle is swollen and bruised over the injured ligaments. Observation. Your doctor will look at the injured ankle and compare it to your other ankle.

Due to the swelling and inflammation, this physical exam may be painful and often includes: Your doctor will diagnose your ankle sprain by asking you questions about the injury and performing a careful examination of your foot and ankle. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to long-term problems, including chronic ankle pain, arthritis, and instability. Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, a chronic or untreated severe sprain can weaken your ankle, making it more likely that you will injure it again. If symptoms do not improve despite non-operative treatment, you may need surgery to repair or reconstruct the injured ligaments. However, if your ankle remains swollen or painful for several weeks despite conservative treatments, or if you have difficulty putting weight on your ankle, you may need to be evaluated to ensure that you do not have a severe ankle sprain or fracture. Most sprains heal with conservative treatments like ice, elevation, over-the-counter medications, and simple rehabilitation exercises. The severity of a sprain can vary greatly depending on the number of ligaments involved and the extent to which the ligaments are torn.

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur among people of all ages and at all activity levels in fact, they are the number one reason for missed participation in athletics.Īn ankle sprain occurs when the strong ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear.

Anterior talofibular ligament