01What is ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support the ankle, most often on the outer side when the foot rolls inwards. Sprains range from mild stretching of the ligament to complete tears.
Even after pain settles, balance and strength can remain reduced. Rehabilitation that includes balance training has been shown to help reduce the risk of future sprains.
02Common symptoms
- Pain and swelling around the ankle, often on the outer side
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot
- Stiffness
- Feeling unstable on uneven ground
03Possible causes and risk factors
- Rolling the ankle on uneven ground, stairs or a kerb
- Landing on another player’s foot in sport
- Sudden changes of direction
- A previous ankle sprain
04How a physiotherapy assessment helps
Your assessment with Dr. Pankaj B. LokhandeBPTh, MPTh (Ortho & Sports), PhD Scholar (MUHS)
We assess the ankle and foot, grade the sprain and check for signs of a possible fracture or high ankle sprain. If a fracture is suspected, an X-ray is recommended.
05Rehabilitation approaches we may use
Early protection and swelling control
Short-term protection, elevation and compression where helpful.
Early movement
Gentle ankle movement to reduce stiffness.
Progressive strengthening
Calf and ankle muscles.
Balance and proprioception
Single-leg balance and reactive drills.
Sport-specific drills
Hopping, cutting and agility work for athletes.
Bracing or taping
Support during return to sport where appropriate.
Your plan is chosen after assessment. Not every approach listed here is suitable for every person.
06Who may benefit
- Anyone with a recent ankle sprain
- Athletes with recurrent sprains
- People with ongoing ankle instability
07Safety precautions
- Gradually increase weight-bearing as comfort allows.
- Complete balance training even after pain settles.
- Return to sport only once strength and balance are restored.
08When to see a doctor first
- Inability to take four steps immediately after the injury or in the clinic
- Bony tenderness at the ankle or midfoot
- Severe swelling, deformity or numbness
09Frequently asked questions
Should I walk on a sprained ankle?
For most mild to moderate sprains, early guided weight-bearing as comfort allows is encouraged.
Do I need an X-ray?
Not always. If you cannot bear weight or have specific bony tenderness, an X-ray may be advised.
Why does my ankle keep giving way?
Reduced balance, strength and ligament support after previous sprains can lead to recurrent instability. Targeted rehabilitation can help.
When can I play sport again?
It depends on the severity and your progress with strength, balance and sport-specific tests.
FURTHER READING
This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an individual assessment. Recovery varies from person to person. See our medical disclaimer.
