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Ankle sprains are common injuries that can result in long-term problems. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop lifelong joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

Grades of Ankle Sprains

After the examination, your doctor will determine the grade of your sprain to help develop a treatment plan. Sprains are graded based on how much damage has occurred to the ligaments.

Grade 1 Sprain (Mild)

• Slight stretching and microscopic tearing of the ligament fibers
• Mild tenderness and swelling around the ankle
• In mild cases, you can expect full ligament healing within 2 to 3 weeks, but it will take at least six weeks for full scar tissue maturation. 

Grade 2 Sprain (Moderate)

• Partial tearing of the ligament
• Moderate tenderness and swelling around the ankle
• If the doctor moves the ankle in certain ways, there is an abnormal looseness of the ankle joint

 In most cases, these injuries result in a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. With increasing injury severity, the rehabilitation process becomes more complex and extensive. 

All Grade 2 injuries should be thoroughly rehabilitated to enable:

• full range of motion and strength
• full proprioception, power, and agility
• full return to sport-specific drills

Grade 3 Sprain (Severe)

• A complete tear of the ligament
• Significant tenderness and swelling around the ankle
• If the doctor pulls or pushes on the ankle joint in certain movements, substantial instability occurs

The rehabilitation of a Grade 3 ankle sprain normally takes 6 to 12 weeks but is quite variable depending on your specific injury. Your physiotherapist or surgeon will be able to provide you with more specific guidelines and advice.