What kind of sprained ankle

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis During a physical, your doctor will examine your ankle, foot and lower leg. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Sprained ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed May 25, Maughan KL.

Ankle sprain. Kaminski TW, et al. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. How to care for a sprained ankle.

There are an estimated 30, ankle sprains per day in the United States alone. A high ankle sprain , which affects a different set of ligaments, is less common. These studies show that this can be due to a number of problems, including:. It is not clear how many cases of chronic ankle sprain result from a single, initial ankle sprain. However, many doctors report that damage to the nerve receptors around the ankle and the weakening of the lateral outside ankle ligaments are likely to cause additional ankle sprains.

These grading systems can also predict timelines for recovery, which range from 1 to 2 weeks Grade I to 6 to 8 weeks Grade III. It is very important to reduce swelling in the immediate post-injury period. This can be accomplished by a compressive wrap, icing for 20 minutes at least twice a day and wearing a CAM walker boot or ankle brace to provide protected weightbearing.

This will expedite healing and protect the ankle while it is still vulnerable. More importantly, reducing the swelling will help the ankle ligaments heal in their natural position. If the ankle remains swollen for longer periods, the ligaments may heal in a stretched-out position, which makes them less functional.

The time-tested gold standard in treatment of ankle sprains is non-operative management, which remains a well-accepted and typically successful treatment choice for most patients. Several prospective studies have compared non-operative and operative treatment for Grade III sprains, and have failed to demonstrate a difference in outcomes.

Elevate the foot by reclining and propping it up above the waist or heart as needed. For a Grade 2 moderate sprain, follow the R. A doctor may immobilize or splint your sprained ankle.

A Grade 3 severe sprain puts you at risk for permanent ankle looseness instability. On rare occasions, surgery may be needed to repair the damage, especially in competitive athletes. For severe ankle sprains, your doctor may also consider treating you with a short leg cast for weeks or a walking boot.

People who sprain their ankle repeatedly may also need surgical repair to tighten their ligaments. Every ligament injury needs rehabilitation. Otherwise, your sprained ankle might not heal completely and you might re-injure it. All ankle sprains, from mild to severe, require three phases of recovery:. Phase 2 includes restoring your ankle's flexibility, range of motion , and strength.

Phase 3 includes gradually returning to straight-ahead activity and doing maintenance exercises, followed later by more cutting sports such as tennis, basketball, or football. Once you can stand on your ankle again, your doctor will prescribe exercise routines to strengthen your muscles and ligaments and increase your flexibility, balance, and coordination. Later, you may walk, jog, and run figure eights with your ankle taped or in a supportive ankle brace.