Grade I ligament injury is characterized by mild pain and minimal functional loss and typically recovers in how long?

• A. 8 to 12 weeks
• B. 3 to 6 weeks
• C. 1 to 2 weeks
• D. 4 to 6 months

Answer: (C)

A Grade I ligament injury is a mild sprain with only minimal tearing of the ligament fibers, the joint remains stable, and pain and swelling are mild. Because the tissue disruption is small and function is largely preserved, healing happens relatively quickly with basic protection and gradual return to activity. That’s why the typical recovery time is about one to two weeks.

Longer recovery periods would be expected with more severe sprains: three to six weeks fits a moderate (Grade II) sprain, eight to twelve weeks aligns with more significant injury or instability, and four to six months is far too long for a Grade I sprain.