Sprained Ankle and Torn Ligaments Recovery Time

Twisting an ankle is a common occurrence in everyday life. It's as simple as stepping on someone else's foot or stepping awkwardly on a curb. When that twisted ankle becomes swollen and painful, according to WebMD, you most likely have sprained it. That means stretching or even tearing the ligaments in the ankle.

It Can Happen to Anybody

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), approximately 25,000 people experience ankle sprains each day. While it frequently happens to those engaged in sports or physical fitness activities, it can happen to anybody stepping on an uneven surface.

How it Happens

• The ligaments get stretched when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal motion and then weight (beyond the normal force of stepping) is transferred upon landing. Most often, according to Web MD, the ankle rolls outward and the foot turns inward. That causes the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch and tear. Sometimes, the ankle rolls inward and the foot turns outward, injuring the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.

Severity

• Doctors diagnose ankle sprains. They classify the sprains based on the severity. According to the AAOS, Grade 1 is a mild strain (slight stretching of ligament), Grade 2 is moderate (partial tearing of ligament), and Grade 3 is severe (complete tearing of ligament).

Recovery

• Most ankle sprains will heal in four to six weeks, according to the AAOS. Rest is the key component to recovery. Icing the ankle, compression and elevation also are required. For Grade 2 sprains or worse, immobilization or splints help the cause. A cast and surgery, although rare, are used for Grade 3 sprains.

Prevention

• Strength and flexibility are important in preventing ankle sprains. It is also important to warm up before vigorous activities. Pay attention to where you step, walk and run. Also, pay attention to warning signs, such as pain or discomfort in the ankle, and suspend activity.