A 46-year-old member asked:
How long does it take for a ligament sprain/pull/bruise to heal?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Darren Corteenanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 27 years experience
6-8 weeks: Most ligaments subjected to partial tearing heal in 6-8 weeks, however ligament in question should be protected from further stresses or injury during this period. This is most often accomplished with hinged brace allowing movement of joint but protecting injured ligament. Some ligaments (acl) have little to no capacity to heal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Thomas Deberardinoanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 34 years experience
Degree 1-3 dictates: Most ligament sprains are graded from 1-3. Grade1 sprains are mild with no torn ligament fibers that heal quickly (days to weeks). With grade 2 injuries, some fibers are torn and recovery can take several weeks. Grade 3 sprains correspond to complete ligament tears and can take from 6-8 weeks to heal. Most grade 3 sprain heal without surgery. Some, however, (acl, lcl in knee) require surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Allen Luanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 26 years experience
1-3 months: We define a bruise as some bleeding in the area of injury, followed by a healing response over 1-3 weeks. A sprain is defined as a tear of ligaments, and take 1-3 months to heal. Some will not heal, depending on location and severity. A pull is a tear in muscles or tendons, which can take 1-3 months or not at all depending on location and severity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 25, 2021
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.