What does a grade 2 sprain look like?

Author: Darrin Daugherty Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, May 5, 2025

With a grade 2 sprain, your ligament is partially torn. The incomplete tear causes bruising (due to bleeding beneath the skin), swelling, and moderate pain. The joint remains fairly stable, but the affected area is tender to the touch.

How long does it take for a grade 2 sprain to go away?

In rare cases of a full tear of multiple ligaments, a surgical option may allow an athlete to return to activity sooner than with rehabilitation. A grade 1 sprain can take one to three weeks for recovery, while a grade 2 can take three to six weeks, and a grade 3 or a high ankle sprain recovery can last several months.

Can you walk on a grade 2 sprain?

A grade 1 sprain causes minimal pain and swelling because it is only a ligamentous stretch. You should be able to walk after some rest. Comparatively, a grade 2 sprain causes more pain and swelling because there is an incomplete ligament tear. It will make walking more difficult and painful.

What does a level 3 sprain look like?

Grade 3. If one or more of the ligaments in your ankle ruptures completely, this is a grade 3, or severe, ankle sprain. As a result of the torn ligament, you may have trouble bearing weight on your foot and there will be considerable swelling, tenderness, and even visible bruising.

Does a grade 2 ankle sprain need a boot?

Early weightbearing as tolerated is typically recommended during this phase. For a Grade 2 sprain, a removable plastic device, such as a walking boot or aircast brace, can provide support. Grade 3 sprains may require a short leg cast or cast-brace for 10 to 14 days.

The 3 Grades of an Ankle Sprain!

How do I know if my ankle sprain is grade 2 or 3?

Grade 2 Sprain: Partial tearing of the ligament. If the ankle joint is examined and moved in certain ways, abnormal looseness (laxity) of the ankle joint occurs. Grade 3 Sprain: Complete tear of the ligament. If the examiner pulls or pushes on the ankle joint in certain movements, gross instability occurs.

What determines if you need a cast or boot?

However, if a fracture is severe, the walking boot is used as part of the second stage of treatment. For severe fractures that may require surgery or when there is a concern that the bone could break further if intense stabilization isn't applied, a fiberglass cast will be used for the first few weeks.

What are four signs an ankle sprain is bad?

Severe sprains and fractures have similar symptoms (pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness) and are both caused by twisting or rotating your ankle, tripping or falling, or trauma to your ankle.

Does a grade 2 ankle sprain require surgery?

It is possible, though not as likely, to need surgery for a grade 2 sprain, depending on the severity of the sprain. It can take well over a month to fully heal from a grade 2 sprain. Grade 3: In a grade 3 sprain, the pain is severe as a result of a fully torn ligament.

What happens if you keep walking on a sprained ankle?

Walking on a sprained ankle is actually good for its recovery if you go about it the right way and give it the necessary support. However, walking on a sprained ankle can make it worse if you limp on regardless of the pain signals and other symptoms that tell you you're overdoing it.

Should I see a doctor for a Grade 2 sprain?

A 'Grade 2' or moderate sprain can likely be treated at home, but you should see a doctor if it doesn't start to heal after a few days.

How long does a Grade 2 back sprain take to heal?

Most lower back strains and sprains should recover in 2 weeks, and according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), more than 90% of people recover fully in 1 month. A person should avoid vigorous exercise for 8 weeks to reduce the risk of damaging the back further.

How do you tell if your ankle is sprained or just rolled?

You have an ankle sprain if:
  1. Your pain is significant and persistent.
  2. Your swelling is immediate and noticeable.
  3. Visible bruising appears quickly after your injury.
  4. You have difficulty or inability to move your ankle without severe pain.
  5. You have difficulty or inability to bear your weight on the affected foot.

What helps ligaments heal faster?

Early medical treatment for knee ligament injury may include:
  • Rest.
  • Ice packs (to reduce swelling that happens within hours of the injury)
  • Compression (from an elastic bandage or brace)
  • Elevation (keeping it raised)
  • Pain relievers.

Should you wrap a sprained ankle overnight?

If the bandage starts to feel tight, or if the area below it feels numb or tingly, or is cool, loosen it. Keep the bandage snug during the day, but loosen it before you go to bed. Remember, just because your ankle is wrapped doesn't mean you should use it. You need to rest it and give it time to heal.

Does ice help swelling after 3 days?

How Many Days Should You Ice an Injury? Icing is most effective within the first 48 to 72 hours after an injury. It helps minimize swelling and inflammation in this early stage. However, after the initial 2–3 days, switching to heat therapy may be more beneficial to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.

What is the fastest way to heal a Grade 2 ankle sprain?

Steps to a Faster Ankle Sprain Recovery
  1. Compression. ...
  2. Elevating. ...
  3. Heat. ...
  4. Stretching. ...
  5. Walking. ...
  6. Massage. ...
  7. Physical therapy. ...
  8. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) You may need pain-relieving medications to keep the pain down and support the recovery process.

Do you need a boot for a Grade 2 sprain?

Grade 2 sprains are more partial tears that require immobilization for 2-6 weeks with a walking boot or cast. It is important to address them sooner than later as they will continue to be painful since there is usually a tear.

How do I know if I have a Grade 2 or 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Although it feels somewhat stable, the damaged areas are tender to the touch and walking is painful. Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament(s) with severe swelling and bruising.

What can be mistaken for a sprained ankle?

An important injury that can be mistaken for an ankle sprain is the Maisonneuve fracture. This injury typically occurs with an eversion injury that results in a tear of the deltoid ligament or medial malleolar fracture.

How to speed up sprained ankle recovery?

Initial care is the same as for all other acute injuries: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Use ice for 20 to 30 minutes each hour. Do not put the ice directly on the skin because it can cause frostbite. Wrap the ice in a wet towel or cloth to protect the skin.

What happens if an ankle sprain is left untreated?

An untreated sprained ankle can lead to chronic ankle instability. The outer side of your ankle is weak and can cause your foot to roll over, causing you to lose your balance. You may have chronic weakness, pain, and swelling in the ankle.

Why don't doctors use casts anymore?

Compartment syndrome is one of the primary concerns with rigid casts. It occurs when a cast is put on before swelling subsides. It can cause pressure to build up and damage the muscles, nerves or blood vessels in the affected area. Casts can cause pressure sores and skin irritations.

What happens if you don't rest a broken ankle?

Untreated ankle fractures

High risk of developing infection. Arthritis. Foot deformities that may impair walking.

When will a doctor give you a walking boot?

Walking boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks. How long you wear it depends on how serious your injury is.

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