Presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Ask The Docs | Ankle Sprain

Patient Question:  

As an amateur hockey coach, I’ve noticed that ankle injuries are somewhat common with my players. How can you tell the severity of a sprain? Also, can you offer any tips for healing and prevention of ankle sprains?

Dr. Johnny Lin:

There are three different levels of ankle sprain severity (Grade I to Grade III). These different injury grades require different treatment regimens and recovery times.

o        Grade I consists of mild swelling and tenderness with no loss of stability. You should be able to bear weight on the ankle with minimal pain. A Grade I ankle sprain is essentially a partially torn or stretched ligament.

o        A Grade II ankle sprain involves an incomplete tear of your ligament. Swelling and tenderness is pronounced, and you will have some loss of stability. Bearing weight on the ankle is difficult and painful.

o        Grade III is the most severe case of an ankle sprain and can sometimes lead to surgical repair. This stage is accompanied by severe swelling, complete loss of range of motion, and a total inability to bear weight. A Grade III sprain is essentially a complete tear of the ligament.

Treatment: 

Be advised that nearly 40% of all ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle problems if not properly cared for. Appropriate treatment begins with early application of PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevate). If you exhibit symptoms of a Grade II or Grade III sprain, it’s important to see an orthopaedic physician for a complete evaluation. Your physician will perform a thorough examination of the ankle to make sure that you do not have a fracture or severely torn ligament.

Once you have passed the initial injury phase, your physician will recommend that you rehab your ankle with muscle strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. These will allow you to get back in the game faster and safer. It is important to remember that once you have sprained your ankle, strengthening exercises should never cease–even if you wear a brace. This can cause a reoccurrence of the injury, especially if you stop the exercises too early in your rehabilitation.

For more information about Dr. Lin and the sports medicine physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, call 877 MD BONES or visit them online at www.rushortho.com.

The information contained on this page is intended only for general public education, and is not intended to serve as a substitute for direct medical advice. This information should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified orthopaedic physician.

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