Which type of ankle sprain is considered severe?

The worst ankle sprains are classified as Grade III. These injuries include a complete tear of one or more ligaments. They are nearly always accompanied by significant pain, bruising, and swelling that can be as large as a golf ball.

What is a serious ankle injury?

Fractures of the Ankle Whether an ankle fracture is in one or multiple bones and whether it occurs with pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, blistering or other symptoms, it is a serious injury that requires care from an orthopaedic ankle specialist.

Is a bad ankle sprain worse than a break?

Sprains. Sprains can be extremely painful, and are easy to confuse as a break. Many times, they are more painful than a fracture, which has been confirmed by science.

What does a Grade 2 ankle sprain mean?

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.

Which is worse a sprain or a break?

A broken ankle is a more severe injury than a sprained ankle. With a clean break that doesn’t need surgery, recovery can take around 6 to 8 weeks. If you need surgery, recovery will take longer. With a minor ankle sprain, it may take around 2 weeks to heal.

Should you see a doctor for a sprained ankle?

But if your pain is bothersome, especially when you put weight on the injured ankle, it�s a good idea to see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell if you have a sprain or if it’s a more serious injury with similar symptoms. You should also see your doctor if the sprain doesn�t seem to be getting better over time.

How to tell if ankle is sprained or worse?

If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture. If the pain is in the soft part of your ankle, it’s more likely a sprain. If you’re still not sure, see your doctor. He can examine your ankle and give you a number of tests to figure out which injury you have.

How bad is a sprained ankle suppose to hurt?

A key symptom of a sprained ankle is pain. When the sprain occurs, the pain can be quite severe , with persistent localized pain at the ankle. Most people describe the pain as shooting or stabbing when pressure is applied via standing or other means. As with a strain, swelling is a common symptom of an ankle sprain.

What to do if someone has a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is the most common ankle injury. Here’s what to do to treat a sprained ankle to minimize pain and speed recovery.