“Is an ankle sprain serious?”

Depends on the severity. Most of the time, ankle sprains are mild. If serious, you wouldn’t be able to walk. Lateral/outside are much more common than medial/inside. Strengthen the ankle with exercises & consider getting a brace. Very high risk for reinjury.

Unlikely, but still possible. If it persists, seek medical attention.

Most ankle sprains or minor. Ice is a great idea. Start on gentle range of motion as early as you can. If problems do not resolve rapidly, then you need to see a specialist.

It depends. Ankle sprains are classified from 1 to 3. Grade 1 is a mild sprain with very little damage to the ligaments and will resolve relatively quickly. A grade 3 sprain is a complete tear of all the ligaments and if it doesn't heal properly can cause chronic ankle instability which require surgery. Treatment Ranges from a brace for a short time to casting for complete immobilization. The appropriate treatment needs to be determined by a healthcare provider such as a primary care physician or an orthopedic surgeon.

First question - is the bone broken or are the ligaments stretched? And if so, how serious is it? Usually, if you can bear weight and the tenderness is not directly on the bone and there is no obvious deformity and milder swelling, it may not be fractured - any question in your mind, you should see an orthopedic surgeon for proper ankle X-rays and evaluation. However, a seemingly innocuous "ankle sprain" could be a serious matter if not properly evaluated and treated by an orthopedic surgeon. Ligaments can take a significant amount of time to heal. When choosing an orthopedic surgeon, it is really important to get the right doctor. You need a man of integrity who will take take the time and staff and energy and compassion to treat you right and with the proper time to address your needs and concerns, to educate you on the problem and plan, and the sports specialty background to get you back in the game with the proper timing and proper program and plan to do so - for your best future and healing.

Best regards,

Dr. Doug Duncan, MD

Ankle sprains range from mild/grade 1 sprain heal in 1-2 weeks (mild swelling a size of a grape to golf ball size). Moderate/grade 2 sprains heal in 4-6 weeks (moderate swelling and bruising, a size of tennis ball). Severe/grade 3 sprains heal in 6-12 weeks (severe swelling and bruising - size of baseball or softball).

Yes You can have ligament injury or bone fracture and because your competitive and if like me Adrenalin Player.

XRAY and clinical exam can rule out a lot and Physical exam by expert is very accurate. ASO ANKLE BRACESwill be critical for your return with a Preventitive Ankle Brace. One our studies shows Large increase in Re-Injury 75% if no Rehab or protective brace WITHIN 2 months of Intial injry!