How long does it take for a ruptured ligament in the ankle to heal?

Minor ligament injuries (Grade I) can take 4-6 weeks with physiotherapy. Total rupture of one or more ankle ligaments (Grade II or Grade III) can take two months or more before you are fully recovered. Complete recovery from surgical repair for a torn ankle ligament can take 3-6 months.

What helps ankle ligaments heal faster?

RICE

• Rest. Resting the ankle is key for healing, and wearing a brace can help stabilize the injured area.
• Ice. Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling.
• Compression. Compression helps stabilize the injured joint and may reduce swelling.
• Elevation.

Would I be able to walk if I tore a ligament in my ankle?

Can You Walk with a Torn Ligament in Your Ankle? Yes, you can usually walk with a torn ligament thanks to the other ligaments and supporting structures, but you may feel a lot of pain and a sensation of weakness and instability as you walk.

What is 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.

Do you need crutches for a torn ligament in ankle?

In most cases, ankle joint ligament injuries heal without complications. But you need to be patient. Just use your underarm crutches carefully for support in the first few days and weeks. Intensive physiotherapy and foot training will only be beneficial after your symptoms have subsided.

Is hot water good for sprained ankle?

Give your injured ankle a few days to recover after the initial injury. When the swelling goes down, you may want to warm your ankle before rehabilitation by soaking it in warm water. Warm tissues are more flexible, and less prone to injury.

Do you need surgery for a torn ligament in ankle?

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe and in most cases do not require surgery. Sprains of the midfoot — called a Lisfranc injury — can often be treated successfully with non-surgical techniques as well. But in more serious cases, ligament repair surgery may be recommended.

What does a Grade 1 sprain mean?

When you’ve stretched the fibers of your ligament, but haven’t significantly torn them, it’s considered a grade 1 sprain. There’s some mild swelling, stiffness, and tenderness at the site of injury.

Can you hear a pop with a Grade 2 ankle sprain?

Telltale noises: Often patients report hearing a cracking noise in the event of a fracture. Hearing a popping sound is common with ankle sprain injuries. 2. Physical deformity: While swelling can occur with both types of injuries, a lumpy or crooked appearing joint usually indicates a break.

Can you walk on a Grade 3 sprained ankle?

Grade 3 ankle sprain is the most severe one. In this, your ligament has torn completely. This will come with severe pain and swelling. The joint will be unstable, so you won’t be able to walk; not without pain at least.

What happens if a sprain is left untreated?

If they’re left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis. Don’t delay treatment. Sprains should be immobilized quickly, with the ankle ligaments in a stable position.

What to do if you have a Grade 2 ankle sprain?

Elevate the foot by reclining and propping it up above the waist or heart as needed. Swelling usually goes down in a few days. For a Grade 2 (moderate) sprain, follow the R.I.C.E. guidelines and allow more time for healing. A doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle.

How long does it take to recover from a Grade 1 sprain?

Grade 1 Sprain. If you are suffering from a grade 1 sprain, you will feel only a little soreness. This level of sprain shouldn’t result in any instability or muscle weakness but can cause minor swelling. Grade 1 sprained ankle recovery time is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, normally closer to the two-week mark with proper treatment.

How do you treat a sprained ankle with an ice pack?

Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggest applying an ice pack to the sprain for 10–20 minutes at a time. Wrap the pack in a towel before laying it against the skin.

What happens if you don’t treat an ankle sprain?

“An ankle sprain that lingers beyond 3 months is often an injury to a bone, tendon or ligament that is unlikely to heal without intervention,” he says. “And the longer an ankle injury persists without proper treatment, the greater the likelihood that permanent disability will result.”