How Long Does a Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Take to Heal?

Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Recovery: Timeline and Tips to Heal Faster

Ankle sprains are extremely common injuries, especially among athletes. The most frequently sprained ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) on the outer ankle. When this ligament over-stretches from an inversion or roll of the ankle joint, it leads to pain, instability, bruising and swelling - the classic symptoms of an ankle sprain.

Based on severity, ankle sprains classify as either grade 1, 2 or 3. Grade 2 signifies a partially torn ATFL with moderate tissue damage, more significant than a minor grade 1 strain but less serious than a complete grade 3 rupture.

Understanding the grade 2 ankle sprain recovery timeline along with proper rehabilitation is key to bouncing back safely. This guide outlines what to expect post-injury, self-care techniques to accelerate healing, warning signs of complications, and when normal activity can resume.

Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Symptoms

How do you know if you’ve suffered a grade 2 lateral ankle sprain specifically? Hallmark symptoms include:

• Severe pain at the time of injury, especially along the outside of the ankle
• Swelling within hours around the ankle and foot
• Bruising over the next few days
• Tenderness directly over the ATFL ligament
• A feeling of looseness or instability of the ankle
• Difficulty bearing full weight through the injured leg

Typically more mobility loss occurs compared to a mild grade 1 sprain, but not as much as a grade 3 sprain which may involve complete inability to walk.

Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Recovery Stages

The grade 2 ankle sprain healing timeline follows three general healing phases:

1. Acute Inflammatory Phase (1-2 weeks)

The first phase starts immediately after ankle trauma. Your body activates its inflammatory response releasing blood cells, immune signaling chemicals, and fluid into injured tissues prompting pain, swelling and redness.

During this period, ankle immobilization with crutches combined with R.I.C.E. therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) helps control inflammation enabling natural repair cells to begin mending ligaments.

2. Proliferation Phase (3-8 weeks)

Over the next month or two, new collagen fibers form bridging together damaged ligament ends. Swelling gradually subsides while strength and flexibility slowly improve.

Early rehab exercises commence like gentle ankle rotations and controlled stretches using resistance bands. The goal remains protecting healing ligaments while regaining mobility.

3. Remodeling Phase (8+ weeks)

The final tissue maturation process takes at least 8 more weeks. Collagen remodeling solidifies the sprained ATFL making it durable yet somewhat thicker and stiffer than originally.

Progressive physiotherapy continues restoring full ankle range-of-motion and leg coordination. Sport or work-specific training prepares you for safe return to former functioning.

How Long Until You Can Walk After a Grade 2 Ankle Sprain?

Walking duration varies depending on sprain severity. With appropriate offloading until inflammation settles, most young healthy adults can walk short distances within 1-2 weeks. Assistive devices help prevent re-injury and discomfort initially.

Your physician tailors brace, boot, crutch or cane ambulation length to your personal healing pace based on factors like:

• Your age, health status and activity level
• Presence of swelling or other injuries
• If surgery was necessary to repair bone fragments or fully torn ligaments
• Your level of pain and stability when walking

On average, normal gait patterns without any support take around 4-6 weeks to reestablish after a moderate grade 2 ankle sprain.

Tips to Accelerate Your Ankle Sprain Healing Timeline

Certain rehabilitative steps influence how quickly you progress through each phase described above. Healing accelerator strategies include:

Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Over-the-counter NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) simultaneously calm pain and inflammation if taken soon after rolling your ankle and for the first several days.

Apply Cold Therapy Diligently

Using cold packs or ice massage for 10-15 minutes every 3 hours suppresses inflammatory chemicals, vasoconstricts blood vessels, reduces pain and may lessen secondary injury cascades.

Keep Your Ankle Elevated

Maintaining your sprained ankle raised above heart level utilizes gravity to limit fluid accumulation in lower extremities, especially critical the first 1-3 days when swelling peaks.

Invest in a Medical Walker Boot

These rigid walking boots immobilize while taking pressure off the ankle until ligaments mend properly. Choose shock-absorbing brands allowing air circulation to enhance 6-8 week recovery.

See a Physical Therapist

Around 2 weeks post-injury when swelling resolves substantially, begin formal PT. Manual techniques reduce scar tissue while progressively loading ligaments speeds collagen maturation so you regain mobility quicker.

How to Prevent Re-Injury and Ankle Instability

Since grade 2 means partial ligament tearing, the ankle remains vulnerable to re-straining until tissues fully heal. You’ll likely wear an ankle brace beyond the typical rehab timeframe. Additional tips reducing instability include:

• Warm-up ankle joint before intense activity
• Routinely strengthen leg muscles with resistance exercise
• Practice wobble board balance training
• Stretch calf muscles keeping ankle flexibility
• Wear supportive shoes with caution exercising on uneven terrain

Also get assessed for biomechanical misalignments or movement inefficiencies requiring custom orthotics or gait re-training to prevent future ankle missteps.

Signs of Ankle Sprain Complications

Occasionally grade 2 sprains cause or come accompanied by other issues needing prompt evaluation, like:

1) Severe Persistent Pain

If throbbing pain worsens over 2 weeks despite anti-inflammatories and offloading, suspect occult bone bruise or fracture missed on initial exams requiring immobilization and different treatment.

2) Chronic Instability

If ankle looseness, “giving way” sensations or tenderness lingers beyond 2 months, consult an orthopedist regarding possible cartilage damage or need for ligament reconstruction surgery.

3) Refracture

High energy mechanisms occasionally crack weight-bearing ankle bones. Repeat imaging helps detect non-healing fractures or those displaced needing urgent realignment.

4) Nerve Symptoms

Trauma or swelling can pinch sensory nerves. Shooting pains, numbness or weakness signifies urgent evaluation for nerve impingement complications before permanent damage accrues.

The Takeaway

Recovering after a grade 2 ankle sprain generally takes 8-12 weeks until ligaments fully mature and regain tensile strength. Swelling control, progressive rehab and preventative taping/bracing all help expedite ankle healing to get you moving safely again as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.