Grade 1 sprains are light sprains that usually allow return to sport in
2-3 weeks
. Grade 2 ankle sprains involve greater injury to the ligament and can take up 4-6 weeks to allow full return to sport. Grade 3 injuries are more severe in nature and often involve full tearing of the ligament and possible bone fracture.
Can you walk on a Grade 1 sprained ankle?
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 the fastest way to heal a Grade 1 ankle sprain?
Compression
helps decrease swelling and provides stability to your ankle by immobilizing it. You should apply a compression bandage as soon as a sprain occurs. Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage, such as an ACE bandage, and leave it on for 48 to 72 hours. Wrap the bandage snugly, but not tightly.
Can you walk on a Grade 1 sprain?
You’re able to use the joint and it feels stable. For example, people with a grade 1 ankle sprain
can walk with minimal pain
. Treatment usually includes the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Apply ice for 20-30 minutes at a time up to four times a day as you heal.
Does a Grade 1 ankle sprain pop?
A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers. When a sprain occurs, you may fall or be unable to stand on that foot.
You may even hear a “pop
.” Pain and swelling will occur.
What helps a sprained ankle heal faster?
- 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.
Should I wrap a sprained ankle at night?
Most experts recommend that
you only wrap your ankle during the day for support and protection
, while you continue to ice, elevate and rest the injury. While some people feel a sense of comfort from a compression wrap at night—unless it provides pain relief, you shouldn’t have your ankle wrapped while you sleep.
What does a Grade 1 sprain look like?
A Grade 1 sprain is one where the ligaments have not torn, only stretched further than normal. Symptoms of a first-degree sprain include
discomfort when jumping, jogging or sometimes walking
. Pain is usually mild and swelling is minimal. The joint may be a little stiff and slightly less stable than normal.
Is walking good for sprained ankle?
Walking: Did you know that walking can promote healing for a sprained ankle? In the first few days, you should stay off the foot. As the swelling decreases and the ankle starts to heal,
short distance walking can be good for your recovery
. Start slowly and gradually build up your distance and endurance.
Can walking on a Grade 1 sprained ankle make it worse?
Yes
. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.
How do you treat a Grade 1 ankle sprain?
For a Grade 1 sprain, use
R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression and elevation): Rest
your ankle by not walking on it. Ice should be immediately applied. It keeps the swelling down.
Can a sprained ankle get worse?
If your symptoms last more than a week without getting better, or if they seem to be getting worse and are accompanied by a fever, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. More severe sprains should be treated by a healthcare provider.
Should I wrap a sprained ankle?
Proper initial care of your sprained ankle is critical.
A compression wrap helps decrease swelling
. If swelling is kept to a minimum, it may help your ankle feel better. Applying a compression wrap is easy and can be done at home.
How long should you stay off a sprained ankle?
Mild sprains typically begin to feel better in a few days to a week and heal
by six weeks
. More severe ankle sprains could take more than a few weeks or months to fully recover. Severe sprains may cause excruciating pain, crutches may be needed. A return to regular activities may be delayed for weeks or months.
What happens if a sprain is left untreated?
A sprained ankle can turn into a
serious chronic instability
if left untreated. When you leave torn ligaments to heal on their own, they can fuse together haphazardly and form weak, inflexible scar tissue. Your range of motion can suffer tremendously, resulting in difficulty walking for the long term.
Should a sprained ankle still hurt after a week?
If your sprain is severe or isn’t feeling better after about a week,
you may need to see a doctor
. They might give you a brace or cast to hold your ankle still. You can use crutches to keep weight off it.
