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Ankle Sprain (cont.)

Outlook

Most ankle sprains (70%-90%) heal without complications or difficulty.

  • Surgery is seldom needed for torn ligaments. Ligament tears are often noticed when sprains fail to get better. If the diagnosis of a tendon tear that needs surgery is not made right away, the outcome of the surgery is the same as if the doctor did the operation immediately.
  • Exercises should be started to maintain flexibility and strength when the swelling has resolved and the patient can walk without pain, usually within one week.



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Ankle Sprain »

A large percentage of musculoskeletal injuries observed in the outpatient setting involve the ankle.

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