Ankle Sprain — Lateral Ankle Sprain — Non-Operative

South Bend Orthopaedics · SBO Physician Team

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; crutches PRN; Grade I: crutches PRN + taping; Grade II: crutches until normal gait + ASO brace; Grade III-IV: crutches + CAM boot x 4-6 wks

Key Restrictions

Grade I-IV sprain classification table with treatment and return-to-activity timelines; Grade IV (high ankle): moderate-severe pain, mild swelling, crutches + CAM x 4-6 wks, return 12-16 wks; avoid increasing ankle ligament laxity during early ROM; surgical intervention required in 15-20% when conservative management fails

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase I Protect/Healing (0-4 wks), Phase II Intermediate (4-8 wks), Phase III Late/Functional (8+ wks)

Notes

Includes high ankle (syndesmotic) sprain classification and treatment; Y-Balance, SL hop, triple hop, crossover hop for functional testing; return to sport determined by MD when full ROM, normal strength, no pain, sport-specific activities achieved

Surgeon / Author

SBO Physician Team

Published

March 2021