How long does it usually take for a ligament strain to heal?
Disease description:
While performing the long jump, I accidentally fell and suffered a ligament strain. How long does it generally take to recover from such an injury?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
The recovery time for a ligament sprain mainly depends on the severity of the sprain, the treatment received, and the individual's healing capacity.
In general, ligament sprains are categorized into three grades: Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III.
1. Grade I sprain: Usually involves mild pain and swelling, but joint movement is largely unaffected. With proper care, including rest, ice application, compression, and elevation of the affected limb, recovery generally occurs gradually within 1-3 weeks.
2. Grade II sprain: Causes significant pain and swelling, with limited joint movement. The recovery period is longer, possibly requiring 4-8 weeks. During this time, in addition to rest and ice application, an elastic bandage may be needed to immobilize the injured area, along with appropriate physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
3. Grade III sprain: Often accompanied by severe pain and noticeable swelling, with significantly restricted joint movement. Recovery may require 6-12 weeks or longer, and surgical intervention might be necessary. Following surgery, systematic rehabilitation training is required to restore normal joint function.
