Grade III ankle sprains should be immobilized for how many days?

Grade III ankle sprains should be immobilized for how many days?

• A. 5 days
• B. 7 days
• C. 10 days
• D. 14 days

Answer: (C)

Grade III ankle sprains involve a complete tear of the ligament, so the joint needs protected healing in the early phase while limiting movement that could worsen instability. Immobilizing for about ten days provides enough protection during this initial period without keeping the joint immobilized so long that stiffness and muscle wasting set in. After this window, progression to protected range of motion and gradual weight-bearing is typical, followed by strengthening and proprioception work. Shorter immobilization (5–7 days) may not adequately protect the repair, while longer immobilization (around 14 days) increases stiffness risk without substantially improving healing.

Grade III ankle sprains involve a complete tear of the ligament, so the joint needs protected healing in the early phase while limiting movement that could worsen instability. Immobilizing for about ten days provides enough protection during this initial period without keeping the joint immobilized so long that stiffness and muscle wasting set in. After this window, progression to protected range of motion and gradual weight-bearing is typical, followed by strengthening and proprioception work. Shorter immobilization (5–7 days) may not adequately protect the repair, while longer immobilization (around 14 days) increases stiffness risk without substantially improving healing.