Can repeated ankle sprains cause permanent damage?

While it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in people of all ages, it can lead to permanent damage if you aren’t careful. Chronic ankle instability is a condition where the outer side of the ankle gives way, making the ankle unstable. It can happen after repeated ankle sprains.

What happens if you sprain your ankle multiple times?

Repeated ankle sprains often cause—and perpetuate—chronic ankle instability. Each subsequent sprain leads to further weakening (or stretching) of the ligaments, resulting in greater instability and the likelihood of developing additional problems in the ankle.

Will a sprained ankle ever fully heal?

They can take longer to heal and sometimes require longer than three months to resolve with treatments like splinting, wearing a boot or a walking cast, and physical therapy. With the proper treatment, however, your high ankle sprain can heal completely.

Is it possible for a sprain to never heal?

“An ankle sprain that lingers beyond 3 months is often an injury to a bone, tendon or ligament that is unlikely to heal without intervention,” he says. “And the longer an ankle injury persists without proper treatment, the greater the likelihood that permanent disability will result.”

How can I prevent a sprained ankle from recurring?

The following tips can help you prevent a sprained ankle or a recurring sprain: Warm up before you exercise or play sports. Be careful when walking, running or working on an uneven surface. Use an ankle support brace or tape on a weak or previously injured ankle. Wear shoes that fit well and are made for your activity.

How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal?

Schedule a COVID vaccine appointment: call us 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, at 267-758-4902. Most ankle sprains will heal with standard RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression and elevation) within two to 12 weeks.

How common is an ankle sprain?

Ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries — approximately 2-million people sprain their ankle each year. When is it cause for a visit to the doctor? Sprained Ankles | UCLA Vital Signs

What happens when you stretch out a sprained ankle?

Once they are stretched out, they will never return to their original shapes. We are left with an ankle that is less stable, especially in the direction that the sprain occurred. To add fuel to the fire, the sprained ligaments lose the ability to efficiently communicate with your brain.