Q: What is the recovery process for an ankle sprain?
A: The common ankle sprain involves the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Essentially, one or more ligaments are torn, and this can range in
severity from a microscopic disruption to a complete severing of the ligament. Fortunately, the majority of these injuries heal well with conservative management. Treatment consists of the acronym PRICE, which stands for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. The amount of time it will take to return to play will depend on the severity of the injury and, if the person with the sprain is an athlete, his or her functional status. An athlete should be able to accomplish certain movements, such as rapid acceleration and deceleration, without great difficulty and pain. But anyone who has had an ankle sprain is at a higher risk of having another.
Dr. L. Shay Richardson, Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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