One of the most common injuries treated at urgent care centers all over
the United States are ankle sprains. Ankle sprains can range from mild
to severe and are usually the result of rolling, twisting, or turning
your ankle in an unnatural way. When this happens, the bands of tissue
(called ligaments) can stretch or even tear. The ankle joint is one of
the most important in the entire body, as it helps support the body by
providing balance and stability. The ligaments surrounding the ankle bend
and stretch as we walk, run, and perform other functions. However, if
they are forced beyond their natural range of motion, it may result in
a sprain. In most cases, a
sprained ankle involves injury to the outer side of the ankle.
Ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries, experienced
by both men and women of all different ages. While athletes are among
the most common group to report ankle sprains, they can occur in anyone.
This is especially true during the summer months as people become more
active and prone to injury. At our urgent care center, we believe in offering
people services that will help them get back on their feet – literally
and figuratively – as soon as possible. If you have suffered an
ankle sprain, please come into Urgentology today and allow one of our
experienced doctors to evaluate your
Different Types of Ankle Sprains
It is very easy to sprain an ankle. In fact, it can happen from a quick
sideways movement or twisting of the ankle. From tripping on an uneven
surface to falling victim to a clumsy step, ankle sprains happen every
single day. In order to get a better idea of what happens when an ankle
is sprained, let’s go over the different types of ankle sprains:
-
Grade I Ankle Sprain – A first degree ankle sprain is the least severe
and occurs when the ligaments have been stretched, but not torn. Some
of the symptoms of a grade one ankle sprain include:
- Mild pain
- Swelling
- Some joint instability
- Mild joint discomfort
-
Grade II Ankle Sprain – A second degree ankle sprain is the most
common and occurs when there is a partial tearing of the ligament around
the ankle. The symptoms of this type of sprain include:
- Significant swelling
- Bruising at the site of injury
- Pain
- Some loss of motion
- Difficulty walking
-
Grade III Ankle Sprain – As you may have guessed, a third degree
ankle sprain is the most serious. When this occurs, it means the ligament
has completely torn. Symptoms of a third degree ankle sprain include:
- Severe swelling
- Intense pain
- Instability of the ankle joint
- Loss of motion
- Difficulty walking
- Walking comes with serious pain
How to Treat an Ankle Sprain
Treatment for an ankle sprain will depend on which type of sprain you have
suffered. In most cases, the first thing you should do is rest (for at
least the first 24 to 48 hours), followed by ice for 20 minutes at a time
for the first 48 hours. If the sprain is a grade two or three, you may
need to wear a brace and elevate the ankle above the heart as often as possible.
We recommend seeing a doctor for an ankle sprain if you are experiencing
pain and swelling and suspect you’ve done more serious damage. In
some cases, the sprain may actually lead to a broken bone in your ankle
or leg, which will require additional treatment.
Ankle Sprain Recovery Time
Again, ankle sprain recovery time will depend on the individual and the
type of injury they have suffered. In most cases, mild sprains will take
two to three days to heal, while moderate sprains may require one to three
weeks of treatment and severe sprains can take anywhere from six to 12
months to heal completely.
If you suspect an ankle sprain, please come into Urgentology right away
and allow one of our doctors to assess your injury. The first step to
making a full recovery is receiving the care you need. If you have any
additional questions about ankle sprains or our urgent care center, please
do not hesitate to
Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or
go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended
to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of
these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.