How to Treat an Ankle Ligament Tear?

Ankle ligament tears are common injuries that can happen at any time, either during sporting activities, everyday activities, like cleaning, or even a simple misstep. Ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing and supporting the ankle joints; thus, they can be vulnerable to tears.

These tears, whether minor or severe, can make movement difficult and uncomfortable. Understanding how to treat an ankle ligament tear is the crucial part of restoring its wellness and normal function.

In this blog, we’ll explore points on these questions:

• Can a torn ankle ligament heal without surgery?
• How long does it take to recover from an ankle ligament tear?
• Should I use a brace for an ankle ligament tear?
• When can I start exercising again?
• What happens if I ignore a torn ankle ligament?
• Can I walk on an ankle with a torn ligament?

Can a torn ankle ligament heal without surgery?

A torn ankle ligament can heal without going through a surgical process. Here’s how:

• RICE therapy: Use the rest, ice, compression, and elevation approach to manage discomfort and enhance conditions for quicker recovery.
• Immobilization: Consider wearing an ankle brace to hold your ankle in a balanced position. This allows it to heal properly and effectively.
• Medication: Use pain relief tablets and creams to help manage pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy: Gentle exercises after an ankle ligament tear, especially once the initial pain and swelling have reduced, are crucial for regaining strength, mobility, and balance.
• Regenerative medicine: Advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy, or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) can promote natural healing without surgery, if doctors suggest.

Consider Leeford Ortho Ankle Support, Ankle Binder, Ankle Binder with Splint, or Ankle Wrap. These devices are crafted to offer sturdy support to any ankle injury. They ensure comfort and keep the ankle area stable while performing daily tasks.

How long does it take to recover from an ankle ligament tear?

The time it takes for an ankle ligament tear to heal depends on how bad it is. Some of the things that help it heal are:

• Age: Younger individuals may tend to recover faster than adults.
• Overall fitness: Refined overall wellness can contribute to faster recovery.
• Surgical: Recovery timeline after a surgery can often take a long period of time.
• Physical therapy & rehabilitation: Consistent ankle ligament injury therapy helps restore strength and balance.
• Previous injuries: If you've sprained your ankle before, it may take longer to heal.
• Consistent adherence to the treatment plan: For proper recovery, the rest, ice, cold, and elevation method, as well as incorporating a Leeford Ortho ankle wrap, helps.
• Footwear: Wearing improper footwear can affect healing as well as increase the risk of Re-injury.
• Activity level: The type of activity and how quickly it is resumed impacts recovery. High-impact sports that involve jumping as well as rapid changes in direction may require a longer recovery period.

The duration of a torn ankle recovery includes:

• Mild tear: 2-4 weeks.
• Moderate tear: 6-8 weeks.
• Serious/severe tear: 3-6 months or longer

For proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment guide, visit your healthcare provider. It's also crucial to keep in mind that the recovery timeline differs for people.

Should I use a brace for an ankle ligament tear?

A brace can be used for an ankle ligament tear, but the type and duration of wearing it depend on the severity.  Here are the conditions of severity when you can wear a brace:

• Grade I/Mild: A brace is not always necessary for very mild sprains, which can often be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). It can be beneficial when engaging in activities that might cause injury recurrence.
• Grade II/Moderate: A brace is often encouraged to provide support as the ligaments are partially torn. It helps reduce pain and support a proper healing process.
• Grade III/Severe: A brace is almost always necessary after a complete ligament tear to provide significant stability.

When can I start exercising again?

In most cases, your doctor’s review determines when you can start exercising again. However, there are general conditions when you can start exercising, and these are when experiencing:

A minor ankle ligament tear

• Wait for symptoms to clear: Do not exercise if you are still sick. Wait until you have had no symptoms for at least seven days.
• Engage in light activities: Do joint-friendly balance exercises such as walking, stationary biking, calf raises, etc.
• Increase intensity gradually: After the first week, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.

After a severe ankle ligament tear

• Seek an expert's advice: Consult your doctor before exercising to prevent the chances of reinjury.

What happens if I ignore a torn ankle ligament?

Ignoring a torn ankle ligament usually leads to complications that include:

• Chronic instability: Your ligaments may not heal correctly, causing ankle weakness and instability weak and unstable ankle which can experience a repeat injury.
• Repeated sprains: The weak ankle can repeatedly get sprained, which further damages the joint.
• Chronic pain: An untreated torn ligament may lead to persistent or long-term pain.
• Arthritis: Over time, the instability might cause cartilage to be damaged, leading to the development of arthritis.
• Loss of flexibility: Permanent stiffness and a reduced range of motion can occur without proper treatment and rehabilitation.

Can I walk on an ankle with a torn ligament?

You may be able to walk with a torn ligament, but it is crucial to have your doctor examine the injury first. A torn ligament can lead to several complications that include:

• Pain and instability: A torn ligament can cause a lot of pain, swelling, and a feeling of weakness, making it difficult or impossible to walk normally.
• Risk of worsening the injury: Putting weight on a severely damaged ankle can worsen the tear, delay healing, and lead to further damage.
• Difficulty distinguishing from a fracture: A medical professional can rule out a more serious injury like a fracture, which would require a different treatment plan.

Wrapping Up

The process of recovering from an ankle ligament tear requires a full understanding of your condition and the proper measures for it. Following proper care methods can support better recovery for mild, moderate, or severe ligament strains. Immediate attention, like resting and reducing movement, helps protect the ligaments as they heal.

Using the best ankle support from Leeford Ortho can make your recovery journey quicker and more bearable. It helps maintain ankle stability as you perform daily tasks. Ignoring the injury or returning to intense activities too soon can worsen the risks of persistent pain, repeated sprains, or chronic joint problems. This is why a proper examination by a healthcare expert is crucial. It helps assess the tear severity, suitable support, and guide your safe comeback to exercise and daily performance.