Care and mobility considerations
There are 3 grades describing the degree of the sprain.
- A mild sprain - there may be minimal pain, slight swelling and little or no loss of functional ability. Bruising is absent or slight and the weight-bearing on the affected joint bearable. A mild sprain may take up to 3-6 weeks to recover fully.
- A moderate sprain - there is bruising, moderate pain and swelling. There is usually more difficulty weight-bearing and there could be some loss of function. A moderate sprain taking 2-3 months.
- A severe sprain - the pain, swelling and bruising are usually severe and should the sprain affect the lower limb, then weight bearing would be very difficult. A severe sprain can take up to 8-12 months to regain full function.
