Ankle Sprain – Symptoms, Recovery and Treatment
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments around the joint, usually caused by landing awkwardly or twisting the foot. In most people recovery is good when the ankle is loaded gradually and strength and balance are rebuilt.
What an ankle sprain is
The ankle joint is held stable by strong ligaments, mostly on the outer side. In a sprain these ligaments are overstretched or partly torn, and in more severe cases they can tear completely. The ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are the ones most often affected.
A sprain usually happens when stepping on an uneven surface, in sports with jumping and sudden changes of direction, or on stairs. The severity varies from mild swelling and pain to heavy swelling, bruising and being unable to put weight on the foot.
In most people mild and moderate sprains recover within weeks with the right loading. If the ankle is not rehabilitated well, some people are left with a feeling of instability and sprain it again more easily.
What leads to a sprain
- stepping on an uneven or slippery surface
- landing from a jump on a twisted foot
- sudden changes of direction in sport
- a previous sprain with incomplete recovery of stability
- weak muscles and poor balance
- unsuitable footwear, such as high heels
How it feels
- pain around the ankle, especially when walking
- swelling around the joint
- bruising that may spread towards the foot
- tenderness over the ligaments
- stiffness and limited movement
- a feeling of instability or the ankle “giving way”
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment of the ankle to judge the severity of the injury and which structures are involved. We use manual therapy, therapeutic exercise for mobility, strength and balance, kinesiology taping and physiotherapy methods such as laser, magnet and TECAR to ease pain and swelling. We return you to full load step by step, and if the assessment shows signs of a fracture or serious damage, we will refer you to a specialist.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you cannot put weight on the leg or take a few steps, if there is a visible deformity, severe pain when pressing on the bone, numbness in the foot or rapidly increasing swelling. These signs may point to a fracture or a more serious injury and need imaging. Also seek advice if pain and swelling do not settle after a few days.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.