Table 2.

Summary of Common Lateral Ankle Sprain Severity Grading Scales^a

Grade I

Little to no pain and swelling

Minimal loss of weight-bearing ability

Minimal loss of mechanical stability:

Partial tear of the lateral ligament complex; typically isolated to the anterior talofibular ligament

Minimal loss of motion

Short-term loss of function

Grade II

Moderate pain and swelling

Moderate loss of weight-bearing ability

Moderate loss of mechanical stability

Significant compromise to the anterior talofibular ligament

Intact but partially disrupted calcaneofibular ligament

Moderate loss of joint motion

Significant loss of function

Grade III

Severe pain and swelling

Diffuse swelling

Extreme point tenderness

Severe loss of weight-bearing ability

Severe loss of mechanical stability

Complete tear of lateral ankle complex

Disrupted ankle capsule

Significant loss of joint motion

Severe loss of function

^aBased on criteria from published studies.^28,38–41