Proneness to repeated injury. Unstable or arthritic ankle joint following repeated injury. The full extent of injury cannot be determined for 12 to 24 hours. A second-degree ankle sprain requires an average of 6 to 10 weeks to heal completely. If this is a first-time injury, proper treatment and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability.
Ligaments have a poor blood supply, and torn ligaments require as much healing time as fractures.
Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental. The goal is to prevent further injury to the torn ligaments. See Appendix 1 for details. Keep ice packs on the injured area almost continuously for 24 hours.