How long does a soft tissue ankle injury take to heal?

You have sustained a soft tissue injury (sprain) to your ankle. This can take approximately 6 weeks to heal, although pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3 to 6 months. You may walk on the foot as comfort allows although you may find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages.

How do you treat soft tissue damage in the ankle?

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

1. Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the injury.
2. Ice. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
3. Compression. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.
4. Elevation.

What is a serious soft tissue injury?

Individuals often find they can’t use the joint or muscle area at all following the injury. Severe soft tissue injuries are characterized by instability, rupturing and a high degree of pain and swelling.

What grade of soft tissue injury is the most severe?

Grade 3: A Grade 3 injury is the most serious. It involves a total rupture of the soft tissue. There is considerably more swelling than Grade 1 or Grade 2 injuries along with a significant amount of instability in the affected joint structure. Inability to use the injured limb is a clear indication of a Grade 3 injury.

How painful is soft tissue damage?

When soft tissue is damaged, there is usually immediate pain along with immediate or delayed swelling (excessive swelling can slow the healing process – see treatment below). Stiffness is also very common as a result of the trauma and swelling. Bruising may also develop after 24-48 hours.

Does soft tissue damage require surgery?

While many injuries can heal on their own, the most severe ones involving tears may require surgery. A Grade III, the worst soft tissue injury, results in a complete tear that will require surgery.

How long does it take for a deep tissue injury to heal?

This process begins in the weeks following tissue damage and can extend over 12 months or more depending on the size and type of the wound. This basic overview explains why tissue cannot simply heal overnight but takes weeks to months to fully restore.

Should you walk on soft tissue damage?

Stop any activity that will aggravate the injury. Use of crutches to take the weight off an injured knee, hip or ankle injury may be necessary. A sling may help to protect an arm or shoulder. Rest and avoid activities that cause significant pain (for example walking, raising your arm).

Can an xray show soft tissue damage?

An X-ray won’t show subtle bone injuries, soft tissue injuries or inflammation. However, even if your doctor suspects a soft tissue injury like a tendon tear, an X-ray might be ordered to rule out a fracture.

How do you treat a deep tissue injury?

Treatments of Deep Tissue Pressure Injuries

1. Patient should be repositioned with consideration to the individual’s level of activity, mobility and ability to independently reposition.
2. Keep the skin clean and dry.
3. Avoid massaging bony prominences.
4. Provide adequate intake of protein and calories.

What does a deep tissue injury look like?

When there isn’t an open wound but the tissues beneath the surface have been damaged, the sore is called a deep tissue injury (DTI). The area of skin may look purple or dark red, or there may be a blood-filled blister.

Why is soft tissue damage so painful?

An injury to muscles or tendons such as a twisted ankle or sprained wrist leads to microtrauma, bleeding and swelling around the damaged tissue which causes pain.