What will happen if an ankle sprain is not treated?

If an ankle sprain is left untreated, it may lead to a chronically unstable ankle joint and, from there, to degenerative and arthritic changes in the ankle, as well as chronic tendon inflammation. It may also feel as if the ankle is constantly trying to give out, which can, from there, cause a re-injury of the ankle.

Can a sprained ankle heal without treatment?

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nearly all isolated low ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear (Grade 3) will heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized and rehabilitated appropriately.

Can a sprained ankle get worse?

Yes. That's the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

How long can you leave a sprained ankle untreated?

"An ankle sprain that lingers beyond 3 months is often an injury to a bone, tendon or ligament that is unlikely to heal without intervention," he says. "And the longer an ankle injury persists without proper treatment, the greater the likelihood that permanent disability will result."

Can a sprained ankle be life threatening?

Granted, a sprained ankle is clearly not a critical, life-threatening condition, but it is still important that the injury is given the proper care and attention it deserves. Failure to do so can lead to long-lasting issues, including chronic ankle instability.

Ankle Sprains Can Become Serious If Left Untreated

Can sprains cause death?

That potential emergency room mistake cost Anna her life. She died in a jail cell a short time later, and an autopsy determined that her death was caused by complications of her sprained ankle. Blood clots formed in Anna's leg as a result of the sprained ankle. The blood clots migrated to her lungs and killed her.

Can a sprained ankle get infected?

Get emergency medical assistance if:

You develop redness or red streaks that spread out from the injured area. This may mean you have an infection.

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.

What happens if you keep walking on a sprained ankle?

Although the first temptation might be to “walk it off,” this can cause more damage to stretched or torn ligaments and prolong recovery time. It's important not to overdo it or get ahead of yourself: walking too soon on a sprained ankle can lead to reinjury, pain, and more chronic conditions like arthritis.

Can an old ankle injury cause problems years later?

Many adults who sprained their ankles when they were younger could be at risk for more serious damage as they age and try to stay active. It's important to get your ankles checked for chronic instability caused by old injuries.

What is a Grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament(s) with severe swelling and bruising. The ankle is unstable and walking is likely not possible because the ankle gives out and there is intense pain.

Can a sprained ankle cause a blood clot?

Researchers found as many as 1 in 13 blood clots may be caused by small problems, such as muscle tears or ankle sprains.

Should I go to ER for sprained ankle?

Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.

When does a sprained ankle Need surgery?

A Grade 3 sprain can be associated with permanent instability. Surgery is rarely needed. A short leg cast or a cast-brace may be used for two weeks to three weeks. Rehabilitation is used to help to decrease pain and swelling and to prevent chronic ankle problems.

Do ankle sprains require surgery?

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe and in most cases do not require surgery. Sprains of the midfoot — called a Lisfranc injury — can often be treated successfully with non-surgical techniques as well. But in more serious cases, ligament repair surgery may be recommended.

When do you need ankle surgery?

Surgery on an ankle may be needed to treat fracture (broken bone), arthritis, tendonitis and problems that can't be resolved with therapy and medications. Surgery for an ankle fracture is done if the bones in the ankle are unstable and need more support to heal.

Do sprained ankles get worse before they get better?

the skin over the ankle is broken. the injury was caused by a severe force such as a fall from a height or a blow from a heavy object. the pain and swelling seem to get worse rather than better over the first 3-4 days (the bruising often gets worse for a week or more before it starts to fade)

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

How should you sleep with a sprained ankle?

Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.

Can you walk on a fractured ankle?

Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn't broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you're concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.

What is a Level 2 ankle sprain?

A Grade 2 sprain is considered to be moderate and is characterized by some, but not all, of the ligament fibers being torn. The affected ankle and foot are often painful and moderately bruised or swollen, but the stability of the ankle joint is generally not affected.

Is it good to put a sprained ankle in hot water?

When the swelling goes down, you may want to warm your ankle before rehabilitation by soaking it in warm water. Warm tissues are more flexible, and less prone to injury.

Can ankle sprains cause nerve damage?

During an ankle sprain, the mechanism of injury can lead to damage to the common peroneal nerve and/or its branches, the superficial peroneal or deep peroneal nerves as well as the sural, saphenous or tibial nerves.

What does infection in ankle look like?

Warning signs of a foot infection include swelling, redness, increased warmth and, in some but not all instances, pain. Odor can also be a sign of foot infection. Infections do not usually occur without a break in the skin such as a cut or a foot ulcer (sore).

How do I know if my ankle is infected?