Grade 2 Ankle Sprain

Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Symptoms

A grade 2 ankle sprain is considered a moderate injury. It is not as severe as a grade 3, but definitely more serious than a grade 1 sprain. Grade 2 usually means partial tearing of the ligaments in the ankle.

Of course, before you do anything else, you should get an x-ray to rule out a fracture. It’s unlikely, but you want to make sure there isn’t any kind of a break, because if so, you have to keep it immobile until it heals.

But, if there isn’t a fracture, you want to do the opposite (a rehab program) as soon as possible to ensure safe and full healing of the ankle. So, it’s really important to know exactly what you’re dealing with right from the start and the only way to do that is to get an x-ray first.

So, let’s cover the main symptoms you can expect with a grade 2 ankle sprain:

1. Partial tearing of ankle ligaments
2. Ankle is somewhat unstable
3. Moderate amount of pain, bruising and swelling
4. In the first few days, walking should be possible, although probably difficult and painful
5. You should be able to move the ankle somewhat, but you can expect some pain, especially at certain angles of movement

Does a Grade 2 Sprain Need a Cast?

Unlike fractures, a grade 2 ankle sprain typically does not require a cast. However, in some cases, a walking boot or brace may be recommended to provide additional support while the ligament heals. The key to recovery is maintaining mobility while protecting the injured ligament from further damage.

Can I Walk on a Grade 2 Sprained Ankle?

Walking on a grade 2 sprained ankle is generally discouraged in the early stages due to pain and instability. However, as healing progresses, gradual weight-bearing and movement exercises can help restore normal function. A good rehabilitation program will provide a structured approach to regaining strength and mobility without causing further damage.

How Long Does a Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Take to Heal?

The healing time for a grade 2 ankle sprain varies depending on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. On average, people who follow the standard protocols of rest and ice heal slowly and poorly. Without proper rehabilitation, recovery can take much longer, and the risk of chronic instability increases.

Here’s a general timeline for recovery using rest and ice as your healing strategy:

• Initial healing phase (2-4 WEEKS): Swelling and bruising start to subside, and light weight-bearing becomes possible.
• Rehabilitation phase (4-8 WEEKS): Ankle still feels weak and unstable, but the pain diminishes and allows for more movement.
• Full recovery (8-12 WEEKS): Return to sports and high-impact activities, but usually need an ankle brace or support for the ankle. Ankle is at a HIGH risk of re-injury.

However, people who follow an excellent ankle rehab program heal much better and faster:

• Initial healing phase (3-5 DAYS): Swelling and bruising start to subside, and light weight-bearing becomes possible.
• Rehabilitation phase (5-10 DAYS): Strengthening, mobility, and balance exercises restore function.
• Full recovery (10-15 DAYS): The ankle regains FULL strength, stability, and mobility. No need for ankle braces or other ankle support.

The Best Rehab Kind of Program for a Grade 2 Ankle Sprain

In order to achieve results like this, it is critical that the rehabilitation program for a grade 2 ankle sprain include:

• Strengthening exercises: To rebuild stability and support the ankle.
• Mobility work: To restore flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Balance training: To improve proprioception and reduce the risk of future injuries.
• Soft tissue therapy: To break down scar tissue and enhance circulation.

Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Rehab Treatment

Remember, a grade 2 ankle sprain cannot heal itself. That means resting it for a long time will not heal the ankle.

Don’t get us wrong… rest is important, but that’s not the only answer. If you just rest and wait and wait and wait… then the ankle will remain very stiff and weak. We see this with people who had a grade 2 sprain weeks, months and even years ago.

The simple fact is that there is enough damage in the ankle that it must be proactively healed properly. That means rehab techniques that help you remove swelling, adhesions and scar tissue, while also improving lymphatic drainage and healthy circulation. The goal is to encourage the body to supercharge its own immune system response to an injury.

And what happens if you don’t? The ankle can stay weak, unstable and stiff, potentially for life. That’s bad! Remember, every movement you make in the lower body begins with the foot, ankle and calf. It is the base of your body. You need that area to be mobile and healthy to have good athletic performance and pain free movement patterns.

If you have a grade 2 ankle sprain and it doesn’t fully heal, it will change how you walk, run, jump, etc… And that will immediately have a negative impact on your other joints (knee, hip, and shoulder). For example, it is extremely common to get a sprained ankle and then all of a sudden, to start experiencing knee pain. You just start to move differently and even if you don’t notice it, your knee will… So, rehabilitating your ankle is absolutely critical.

But, before we get to the details of a good ankle rehab program, one more quick warning… do NOT ice your ankle, unless your doctor specifically tells you to do it.

Recent studies show that ice works as a short term pain reliever, but it’s absolutely horrible for healing your ankle (or any injury for that matter). I know what you’re thinking… wait a sec, don’t ice?!!! Why?!!!

Well, just take a look at what the research shows… ice actually stops the flow of powerful immune cells (called Macrophages), which are directly responsible for removing waste and cellular debris from the injury AND muscle regeneration and repair.

Ice is also responsible for reducing healthy lymphatic drainage and in some cases, reversing the flow of waste back into the injury! In other words, ice significantly impairs the body’s natural healing process, which can prolong your injury by weeks, months or even years. Want to learn more? Click here

The SECRET to Healing Fast

A top notch rehab program will enable you to heal a grade 2 ankle sprain fully and quickly. Here’s a quick overview of all the things a good ankle rehab program will do for you:

1. Remove swelling and waste from the ankle safely and quickly
2. Encourage the flow of the first wave of Macrophages to remove cellular debris
3. Encourage a second wave of Macrophages to repair and regenerate healthy tissue in the ankle
4. Dramatically reduce pain quickly
5. Improve ankle stability
6. Improve ankle strength
7. Improve ankle mobility
8. Improve balance, coordination and agility
9. Improve the ability to generate power in the ankles and calves
10. Decrease the risk of re-injury significantly

How HEM Heals A Grade 2 Ankle Sprain Fast

HEM Ankle Rehab is a complete system, which will show you how to heal a grade 2 ankle sprain fully and fast. We designed it to ensure it is safe, all natural and extremely easy to do. It doesn’t matter how new or old that grade 2 ankle sprain is… HEM will show you exactly how to heal it safely and fully.

HEM dramatically improves the quality and speed of the healing process by supporting and improving the body’s natural response to an injury. You can expect a significant improvement in healthy range of motion in the ankles, feet and calves… you can expect much more strength and stability in the ankles… and you can expect improved overall movement (balance, agility, speed, jumping, etc.).

For a grade 2 sprain, the HEM Ankle Rehab program gets people walking normally again, pain free in about 10-15 days (instead of 2-3 months) and significantly lowers the risk of re-injury. That means you will not need ankle braces, tape or wraps. You will be walking, running and jumping pain free and with full power without the fear of spraining your ankles again.

Here’s how HEM Ankle Rehab works:

1. Encourages Active Healing Instead of Rest

• Traditional methods like R.I.C.E. focus too much on immobilization, which can slow down recovery.
• HEM Ankle Rehab promotes gentle movement from the start, which improves blood flow and delivers essential nutrients to the injured area, speeding up the healing process.

2. Restores Full Ankle Mobility

• One of the biggest risks after a sprained ankle is stiffness and limited range of motion.
• HEM includes targeted mobility exercises that help restore natural movement in the ankle, reducing long-term stiffness and improving flexibility.

3. Strengthens Ligaments and Muscles

• Weak ankles are more prone to re-injury.
• HEM focuses on progressive strengthening exercises that rebuild the ligaments and surrounding muscles to support the ankle properly.
• This prevents chronic instability and future sprains.

4. Improves Balance and Proprioception

• A major issue after an ankle sprain is poor balance and reduced proprioception (body awareness).
• HEM includes balance and stability exercises that retrain the ankle to respond properly to movement, reducing the risk of future injuries.

5. Uses Soft Tissue Therapy for Faster Recovery

• Scar tissue buildup can slow healing and lead to chronic pain.
• HEM incorporates soft tissue therapy techniques to break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation naturally.

6. Speeds Up Recovery Without Ice or Compression

• Ice and compression can limit blood flow, which slows down the body’s natural healing process.
• HEM’s approach prioritizes active movement and circulation, helping the ligaments heal faster and stronger.

7. Can Be Done at Home with No Special Equipment

• HEM is an easy-to-follow rehab program that doesn’t require expensive treatments or medical visits.
• The exercises can be done at home, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to heal properly.

By following HEM Ankle Rehab, most people experience significantly faster healing, reduced swelling and pain, and stronger, healthier ankles—all without the drawbacks of traditional methods.

For more information, check out HEM Ankle Rehab here.