Ankle Sprain

The prognosis for an ankle sprain varies significantly depending on the grade of injury and initial treatment. Grade 1: Most patients fully recover within 2 weeks. Grade 2: Partial rupture, 80–90% recovery after 4–8 weeks of treatment. Grade 3: Recovery is possible with conservative treatment without surgery, but takes 3–6 months, with a 15–20% chance of residual instability. If left untreated, it can progress to lateral ankle arthritis, peroneal tendon injury, and osteochondral disease (OCD), making early and accurate treatment crucial. From the perspective of Korean medicine prognosis, ligament and cartilage regeneration occurs when blood stasis is sufficiently resolved and the liver and kidneys recover their functions. If blood stasis remains, the pathways of Qi and blood are blocked, leading to persistent chronic pain; furthermore, if dampness accumulates in the joints, it can progress to arthritis. At Dongjedang, we aim to resolve blood stasis and complete tissue regeneration by proceeding with staged treatment according to the stage of injury, progressing from acupuncture to needle insertion, and finally to thread embedding and fire acupuncture. Completing treatment before the condition becomes chronic is paramount for the prognosis.