If you’ve sprained your ankle, one of the most important things to do is keep track of how long it stays swollen. Swelling is a symptom of an ankle sprain and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Rest is one of the most important treatments for a sprained ankle, as it helps the swelling to go down and the joint to heal. It can be challenging to determine how long a sprained ankle stays swollen.
Read more: The Importance of Rest When You Have a Sprained Ankle and Benefits.
We will explain the three grades of a sprained ankle, the duration of the swelling, and what you can do to reduce it.
Grades of a Sprained Ankle
Sprains are classified according to their severity. The grades are grades 1, 2, and 3.
1) Grade 1
The ligaments are stretched, but there is no tear. The ankle is mildly swollen and can be painful to the touch.
2) Grade 2
The ligaments are partially torn, causing more swelling, bruising, and pain when pressure is applied to the ankle joint.
3) Grade 3
This is the most severe sprain, including a complete tear or rupture of the ligaments that support your ankle. Grade 3 sprains typically involve more swelling and pain than other grades. Swelling may last up to two weeks, while rehabilitation can take six to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
The Relationship Between Ankle Swelling and Bruising
When healing from a sprained ankle, it is essential to understand the relationship between swelling and bruising. Swelling occurs when there is inflammation as a result of an injury. When this happens, the body sends fluids to help protect the area and aid healing. Bruising develops due to damage to small blood vessels, which causes blood to escape and accumulate underneath the skin.
The swelling associated with a sprained ankle can last anywhere from 2 weeks up to 2 months, depending on the severity of the injury. Even when the swelling has gone down, it is common for some residual bruising or discoloration to remain in the area for an extended period as part of the healing process.
Tips To Reduce Swelling of Sprained Ankle
If you are trying to reduce the swelling in your sprained ankle, here are some tips that may help.
1) Icing
Ice is one of the most effective treatments for reducing swelling in a sprained ankle. Icing helps reduce inflammation and pain and promotes healing by increasing blood flow to the area. Use an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel and apply it to your ankle for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times daily.
2) Compression
Compression is another effective way to reduce swelling in a sprained ankle. An elastic compression bandage can help provide support and stabilization while reducing inflammation by applying gentle pressure. Make sure not to wrap the bandage too tightly, as this may cause more harm than good.
3) Elevation
Elevating your ankle can help reduce swelling by allowing fluid buildup to flow away from your ankle. Try elevating your injured ankle above the level of your heart while also keeping it supported with a pillow or cushion while sitting or lying down. Prevention is better than cure; hence read our blog on how to prevent a sprained ankle.
Contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute for the best treatment of Achilles Tendonitis in Marietta. We provide comprehensive treatments, including medication and physical therapy, to help you reduce the swelling caused by a sprained ankle.
