How long sprain heal

Christopher F. Riegler, M. David M. Matusz, M. Firas M. Chamas, M. George P. Ackerman, M. Gregory Galano, M. John L. Xethalis, M. Mark Klion, M.

Matthew Teo Mendez-Zfass, M. Nicholas A. Extreme conditions can also lead to the inability of one's leg or arm to achieve movement.

Apart from this, you can also experience the following symptoms during a sprain:. If you have a mild sprain, you might experience stiffness while walking, but patients typically recover within a few days. However, in the case of a severe injury, you might experience an altered or failed limb movement for a prolonged period. Whether you sustain a minor sprain or something more severe, you should visit your doctor immediately after the incident. She or he will ask you a few preliminary questions such as:.

Your doctor will then proceed with the next step of checking your joint movement and reflexes. If your physician is unsure of the cause, or your case requires further evaluation, she or he will likely recommend you undergo a few standard radiological tests.

Such tests can include:. Treatment for a sprain depends on the condition and severity of the injured ligament. Part of your recovery process might involve the following:. Similar to a sprained ankle, a sprained knee or MCL sprain may take anywhere between two weeks to one year to heal. The healing period for wrist sprains varies from patient-to-patient.

The average time required to recover will depend on the grade of the sprain. During your recovery, there are a few activities you should avoid:. However, this is never a good idea following a sprain.

Failing to rest the joint, or adding more pressure, can not only prolong the injury but also increase the tear of the ligament.

Many of us tend to consume painkillers after a fall or injury for instant pain relief. Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin or ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and pain from a sprain, but NSAIDs can also cause side effects. Overmedicating can also dull the pain, potentially masking the injury and aggravating the situation. In most cases, a sprained joint is a one-time event. Our number one priority is to provide the safest environment we can for our patients and medical professionals.

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Ankle sprains are one of the most common orthopedic injuries. Each year, hundreds of sprained ankles are treated by the EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region Foot and Ankle Specialists and by our orthopedic urgent care providers.

In many cases, these ankle injuries will heal with conservative treatments. In more serious injuries, however pain, swelling, or instability may persist and more intensive treatment options may be needed. As Dr. It can happen anywhere, anytime. Viens is fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and treats patients with mild to severe ankle sprains. Patients can get injured at work, whether at a construction site or in an office.

Even in cases of mild sprains, talking to your doctor about appropriate treatments should always be the first step you take. Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in one to three weeks with proper rest and non-surgical care such as applying ice.

Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks. Because of limited blood flow to the ligaments of the ankle, more severe injuries may take between three and six months to heal. When the ankle is overstretched or rolled, it can pull on the ligaments hard enough to cause a sprain.

Not all ankle injuries are created equal. Ankle sprains can be classified in several levels :. Small ankle sprains can be treated at home, but moderate and severe injuries require professional medical services to determine the extent of treatment required. A few at-home remedies can be helpful for ankle sprains. If the pain is difficult to manage, you might take over-the-counter medications. Some of these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also help with swelling management.

How long does it take to heal a sprained ankle? Healing time depends on the severity of your injury as well as your commitment to rest, recovery, and treatment.

Following the tips listed above will speed up your healing time.