Senior physical therapist Michelle Connell DPT ATC at UI Health Care Medical Center North Liberty on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Patient consent on file.

Sprained Ankle

Orthopedic specialists from UI Health Care treat all types of ankle sprains, including severe grade 3 sprains that may require rehabilitation or surgery.
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Even though most ankle sprains are considered minor injuries, they still require medical attention.  

A sprained ankle that isn’t treated properly may remain weak and unstable. This increases your risk of injuring it again, which can cause more serious complications. 

If you think you’ve sprained your ankle, turn to University of Iowa Health Care. Our orthopedic specialists will make sure you get the early, appropriate care you need to get back on your feet—and back to your regular activities. 

Sprained ankle symptoms and diagnosis

Your ankle contains tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that hold the bones in your joint together. When you sprain your ankle, you damage one or more of these ligaments. They may stretch, partially tear, or completely tear (rupture). 

Ankle sprains usually occur when you unexpectedly twist or roll your ankle. This could happen while playing sports or while performing everyday activities. Even  slipping on the stairs or stumbling on uneven pavement can twist your ankle enough to sprain it.  

Symptoms of a sprained ankle 

The most common symptoms of a sprained ankle are pain and swelling. But other signs include: 

  • Bruising
  • Difficulty walking
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness 

Depending on the severity of your sprain, you may have felt a tearing, popping, or snapping sensation at the time of injury. Your joint may also have temporarily slipped out of place. 

Diagnosing a sprained ankle 

If you’re concerned about a possible ankle sprain, don’t try to diagnose yourself. Instead, schedule a consultation with an orthopedic expert—like those from UI Health Care. 

Our ankle specialists will confirm the type and severity of your injury through a physical examination. We may also order imaging tests (such as an X-ray or MRI) to confirm whether you’ve fractured your ankle or damaged other ankle tissue. 

If you’ve sprained your ankle, it will be “graded” using the following scale: 

Grade 1
first-degree sprain

Your ankle ligaments are stretched or slightly torn. Your pain is probably mild, with tenderness and swelling, but no bruising.

Even though walking may be somewhat difficult, your ankle is still functional. Recovery time is typically four to six weeks.

Grade 2
Second-Degree Sprain

One of your ligaments is partially torn. Your ankle will be swollen and tender. It will likely bruise within three to four days of the injury.

Walking may be moderately difficult. Recovery time is usually four to eight weeks. 

Grade 3
Third-Degree Sprain

You have a completely torn ligament that’s causing significant swelling, severe tenderness, and instability.

Walking may not be possible. Recovery time is usually six to 12 weeks. 

You can take comfort knowing we offer all the treatments you might need to recover as quickly and safely as possible.

Sprained ankle treatment from UI Health Care 

UI Health Care treats all types of ankle sprains, among people of all ages and athletic abilities.  

Nonsurgical treatments for ankle sprains

Most ankle sprains don’t need surgery.  

You should be able to recover from a minor, first-time sprain relatively quickly with home care. This includes treatments known as RICE therapy: 

  • Rest: Stay off your ankle until it doesn’t hurt. Exercising before a sprain has fully healed may make it worse or increase your risk of re-injury. 
  • Ice: Place a wet towel on your ankle, then cover it with a plastic bag full of ice (or a package of frozen peas or corn). Apply the ice for 10-20 minutes, then remove it for 40 minutes. Repeat this as often as you can during the first 48-72 hours after your injury. 
  • Compression: Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage. This will help control swelling. 
  • Elevation: Recline on a bed, sofa, or chair and use a pillow to raise your ankle slightly higher than your hips.  

If you have a moderate to severe sprain—or home care doesn’t help—you may need additional nonsurgical treatment. These therapies include: 

  • Orthopedic devices: While you heal, certain medical equipment can help take pressure off your ankle or keep it stable. These include ankle braces, walking boots, and crutches.  
  • Rehabilitation: Our physical therapists can teach you exercises to improve your ankle strength, ankle flexibility, and balance.  
Ankle surgery

In rare cases, an ankle sprain may need to be treated with surgery. These cases include: 

  • You have a severe, grade 3 sprain with a completely torn ligament 
  • You’ve tried nonsurgical treatments, but your ankle still won’t heal 
  • You’ve had multiple ankle sprains and your joint is very unstable 
  • You have other injuries in addition to your sprain, such as a cartilage injury or torn tendon 

Depending on the extent of your injury, your surgery may involve one or more of the following: 

  • Debridement: Your surgeon cleans up your joint by removing any loose bone or tissue fragments. 
  • Ligament repair: Your surgeon stitches your partially torn ligament back together. 
  • Ligament reconstruction: Your surgeon replaces your severely damaged ligament with tissue taken from another part of your body (graft). 

In most cases, we use a minimally invasive type of surgery called ankle arthroscopy to evaluate the extent and degree of injury.  Depending on the extent of injury, both arthroscopic and open surgical can be utilized to help repair the ankle and allow return to normal form and function. 

Need treatment for a sprained ankle?

Let us connect you with an orthopedic expert who specializes in diagnosing and treating ankle sprains.
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