How long does bruising last after a sprained ankle?
Second-degree sprain Bruising begins three to four days after the injury. Walking may be moderately difficult. Recovery time is four to eight weeks.
Do sprained ankles bruise right away?
Often the ankle starts to swell immediately and may develop bruising. The affected area is usually tender to touch and may feel “wobbly” or unstable. In a mild sprain, swelling usually goes down within a few days.
Does bruising on ankle mean broken?
As time passes ecchymosis (bruising) may occur. This can be extensive; however, this does not necessarily mean the ankle is broken. More severe ankle sprains present with significant ecchymosis over the region of injury.
How do I know if I have a Grade 3 ankle sprain?
Grade 3: This is a full tear of the ankle ligament. You may have heard a popping sound when it happened. This level of sprain causes severe pain, swelling and bruising. Because the ligament is no longer able to do its job, your ankle will feel unstable and will be unable to support any of your weight.
How can you tell how bad a sprained ankle is?
3 Grades of Ankle Sprains
- Grade 1: Your ankle will probably feel sore and may be slightly swollen. In this case, the ligament has been overstretched but not torn.
- Grade 2: You have a partial tear in the ligament. This causes prolonged pain and swelling.
- Grade 3: This is a full tear of the ankle ligament.
How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?
People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.
Is there bruising with grade 1 ankle sprain?
Grade 1: Stretching or slight tearing of the ligament with mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising.
When should I be concerned about a sprained ankle?
How long does swelling last after ankle sprain?
The swelling typically lasts from 3-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the ankle sprain. Swelling improves with elevation, rest and application of ice.
Why is sprained ankle still swollen after 2 weeks?
Whenever there is irritation within the joint, the synovium secrets excess fluid. A sprained ankle still swollen after 2 weeks indicates that irritation is still present. Outward swelling is a result of swollen soft tissue and the increased fluid within the joint itself.
Why do sprained ankles bruise?
Yes, bruising can occur after a sprained ankle because the sprain is actually a tearing of ligaments around the ankle and the swelling around the ankle naturally builds up, and this could cause bruising, not necessarily only around the ankle but the entire foot too.
How do you treat a swollen sprained ankle?
Sprained ankles should be compressed with an elastic bandage. Elevation is one of the best remedies for a sprained ankle. X-rays can be used to determine if a patient has an ankle fracture or sprain. Applying ice can help reduce ankle swelling.