Sprains & Strains

Although acute injury treatment is similar for sprains and strains, their time to heal is different. Sprains take longer to heal as they are the result of damage to ligaments.

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. The most common location for a sprain is in your ankle. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Muscle strains can be categorized into three grades, based on severity:

• Grade 1: Mild damage to individual muscle fibers (less than 5% of fibers) that causes minimal loss of strength and motion.
• Grade 2: More extensive damage with more muscle fibers involved. …
• Grade 3: Complete rupture of a muscle or tendon.

Walk or put weight on your sprained foot as long as it does not hurt. If your doctor gave you a splint or immobilizer, wear it as directed. If you were given crutches, use them as directed. For the first 2 days after your injury, avoid hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs.

The amount of time it takes to heal from a muscle strain depends on severity. Grade I strains heal within a few weeks. Grade II strains can take up to 3 months or longer. Grade III strains may require surgery and months of rehabilitation.