Can you get permanent damage from sprained ankle?

All it takes is one harmless misstep to leave you with a sprained ankle. 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.

Are there any long-term complications associated with a sprained ankle?

Improperly managed ankle sprains are believed to contribute to long-term complications, including chronic instability or arthritis in the ankle joint.

Can an ankle sprain take a year to heal?

An ankle sprain usually takes between 2 weeks to 2 months to heal. The ankle will feel better after a few weeks, and be fully strengthened in a few months. A severely sprained ligament, however, can take 9 months to 1 year to heal.

Why does my ankle still swell after sprain treatment?

If you have sprained your ankle and despite conservative therapy are still having swelling and pain this is an important warning sign. Persistent swelling is an indication that there is underlying irritation and joint dysfunction. Most likely your continued ankle swelling is due to joint instability.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain years later?

A second clinical problem seen long after the initial ankle sprain is chronic stiffness. Months, and even years after the injury, it is common to see a loss of ankle dorsiflexion. (Dorsiflexion is the direction that the ankle moves if you were to attempt to bring your toes closer to your face while standing or lying down).

How long does it take for an ankle sprain to heal?

Usually, those patients have some substantial pain relief within four to six hours after the injury, especially if they do elevate the foot, if you do the cooling of the injured ankle. If they still experience a very severe pain after six hours so they cannot walk on it at all, there is definitely an indication or the need to do the radiographs.

When does a Grade 3 ankle sprain require surgery?

A Grade 3 sprain requires surgery. If you have sprained your ankle and despite conservative therapy are still having swelling and pain this is an important warning sign. Persistent swelling is an indication that there is underlying irritation and joint dysfunction.