Twisted Ankle Recovery Time

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time: First find out what type of sprain you have, then find out how long you will be out and how to make it faster!

 

 

 

What Is A Twisted Ankle?

 

Ankle sprains happen when you roll your foot in. There are 3 ligaments on the outside of your foot that case stretch, partially tear and completely tear:

 

  • A “stretch” is known as a grade 1 ankle sprain.
  • A partial tear is known as a grade 2 ankle sprain.
  • A complete tear is known as a grade 3 ankle sprain.

 

 

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time
The anterior talo-fibular ligament is involved in all three stages of ankle sprains. It is almost always just stretched, or a grade 1 sprain.

 

 

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time:

 

The recovery time depends on what type of sprain you have.  if the ligaments are just stretched, then it could be weeks. But if you fully tear the ligaments, you will be out numerous months and potentially need surgery!

 

2 types of Twisted Ankle Sprains:

  • A)Inversion Ankle Sprain.
  • B)High Ankle Sprain.

 

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time
A twisted ankle can usually stretch the outside ligament on your foot. If you have pain on the outside of your foot while turning in, these ligaments may be damaged.

 

A) Inversion Twisted Ankle Recovery Time:

From Shortest To Longest:

 

Grade 1 Sprain: Stretched Ligaments.

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time
An inversion ankle sprain may stretch the ligaments, it is not common for any ligaments to be torn unless it is a very severe sprain.

 

This is a very mild sprain that should only take 3-5 days or up to 2-3 weeks to get better.

  • The difference in time has to do with how you treat the twisted ankle.
  • Using rest, ice, compression & elevation in the early stages can lead to dramatically increased healing time.

 

Recovery Time: 3 days – 2 weeks!

 

  • Improve this but using with rest, ice, compression & elevation!

 

 

 

Grade 2 Sprain: Partially Torn Ligaments.

 

This is when one or more of the lateral ankle ligaments have been damaged. This will take a minimum of 2-4 weeks to heal & could take even longer.

 

  • This means that either the anterior talofibular ligament or the calcaneofibular ligament are partially torn.
  • If these types of sprains are not treated properly, they may lead to chronic ankle instability.
  • Athletes with chronic ankle instability will likely need braces & physical therapy in the future.
  • It is even possible to start developing ankle arthritis & ankle spurs within a decade or so chronic ankle instability.

 

Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks Minimum!

 

  • Improve this but using with rest, ice, compression & elevation initially.
  • Time off until it heals is usually necessary.
  • Accommodation braces may be necessary early on until healing.

 

 

Grade 3 Sprain: Partially Torn Ligaments.

 

This is a complete tear of the ankle ligaments with possible dislocation of the ankle.

 

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time
This is an extremely severe ankle sprain that may need to be evaluated for laxity & tearing of the ligaments. There may also be cartilage damage present.

 

  • This type of ankle injury will take many months to heal.
  • It is likely to have an osteochondral defect: this means cartilage damage.
  • Other foot and ankle tendons or ligaments may also be damaged.
  • It may be necessary to check for compartment syndrome.

 

Recovery Time: 2-3 Months+ !

 

  • This type of ankle sprain will require a visit to your podiatrist for evaluation.
  • Depending on the situation or the damage, you may need surgery to avoid future damage.

 

 

B) High Twisted Ankle Recovery Time:

 

A high ankle sprain occurs when your foot turns out while still planted firmly on the ground at 90 degrees.

 

  • This is damage of the ligaments within your leg, rather than on the outside of your ankle.
  • These occur between the tibia and the fibula of your lower leg.
  • The ligaments of your syndesmosis are damaged.

 

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time
High ankle sprains occur in the ankle syndesmosis. This is between the tibia and the fibula. This occurs when your foot turns out while still at 90 degrees.

 

 

From Shortest To Longest:

 

Grade 1 Sprain: Stretched Syndesmosis.

 

The joint is stable upon testing stress testing (performed by the physician under imaging).

 

  • Injury should heal in a few short days or weeks.
  • The athlete is likely still able to stand on the foot.
  • No gross dislocation or disruptions.

 

Recovery Time: 3 days – 2 weeks!

 

  • Improve this but using with rest, ice, compression & elevation!

 

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time
The syndesmosis can be assessed for widening on ankle mortise X-ray.

 

Grade 2 Sprain: Partially Torn Syndesmosis.

 

This is a partial tear & injury of the ligaments.

 

  • There may or may not be some loosening on stress testing by the podiatrist.
  • An MRI may be necessary to diagnose the extent of the injury.
  • The athlete may have difficult bearing weight on the ankle.
  • There likely will not be widening.

 

Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks Minimum!

 

  • Improve this but using with rest, ice, compression & elevation initially.
  • Time off until it heals is usually necessary.
  • Accommodation braces may be necessary early on until healing.

 

 

Grade 3 Sprain: Fully Torn Syndesmosis.

 

Complete dislocation of the talus from between the tibia and fibula.

 

  • This is obvious and it looks very gruesome.
  • It will require many months to get better.
  • This will require physician treatment immediately to relocate and assess the injury.

 

Recovery Time: 2-3 Months+ !

 

  • This type of ankle sprain will require a visit to your podiatrist for evaluation.
  • Depending on the situation or the damage, you may need surgery to avoid future damage.