27 May Sprained your ankle and wondering why it’s taking so long to heal

Sprained your ankle and wondering why it’s taking so long to heal
Did you know that there are 3 Grades of Ankle Sprains 

Ankle Sprains are graded based on how much damage has occurred to the ankle ligaments. And different Grades of Ankle Sprains will have different rates of recovery and will require different treatment strategies. 

In Grade 1 Ankle Sprains the ankle ligaments are slightly stretched and there is microscopic tearing of the ankle ligament fibres with mild tenderness and swelling around the ankle. This type of ankle sprains are most common and most people will report that they twisted their ankle missing a step but did not fall over. However, repeated mild ankle sprains can lead to Grade 2 Ankle Sprains.

In Grade 2 Ankle Sprains, there is partial tearing of the ankle ligaments, moderate tenderness and swelling around the ankle. There is often bruising around the ankle too. In Grade 2 Ankle Sprains, people will report that they twisted on their ankle, fell over and was unable to stand up on their foot immediately after the fall. Usually they will require a walking boot or crutches to walk on their sprained ankle.

In Grade 3 Ankle Sprains, there is a complete tear of the ankle ligament, significant tenderness and swelling around the ankle. There will be significant bruising around the ankle and down the foot. Often there is also an associated ankle bone fracture and the pain is severe requiring a visit to the Emergency Department. 

Ankle sprains can take 6weeks to 6months  to recover depending on the severity of the ankle injury. Early intervention and having the right diagnosis is the key  to successful rehabilitation of ankle sprains. When poorly treated or left untreated, mild ankle sprains can result in long term ankle instability and pain.

The most common mistake we see here at My Favourite Physio, is people coming in months after an initial ankle sprain and complaining of loss of ankle movements, ongoing pain and repeated ankle sprains. Don’t let that be your journey too! Ring My Favourite Physio on (02)9790 4233 to find out how our Expert Physiotherapists can help you overcome your ankle sprain today!