About Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries and occurs when one or more of the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that help stabilise the joints by connecting bones to one another. Most ankle sprains occur when the foot suddenly rolls inward, causing excessive stress on the ligaments located on the outer side of the ankle. This type of injury often happens while walking on uneven surfaces, participating in sports, running, jumping, or accidentally stepping awkwardly. Although many ankle sprains heal well, they should not be dismissed as minor injuries. Without appropriate rehabilitation, some people may continue to experience pain, weakness, repeated ankle sprains, or a feeling that the ankle “gives way.” Physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring strength, balance, stability, and confidence after an ankle sprain.
Did You Know?
A previous ankle sprain is one of the strongest risk factors for another ankle sprain. Research shows that completing balance and proprioception exercises after an ankle sprain significantly reduces the risk of future injuries. This is why rehabilitation continues even after pain and swelling have settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not everyone requires an X-ray. Healthcare professionals may use clinical guidelines, such as the Ottawa Ankle Rules, along with your examination to determine whether imaging is necessary to rule out a fracture.
Complete rest is usually not recommended for most ankle sprains. After the initial injury, gradual movement and appropriately prescribed exercises help restore mobility, strength, and function while supporting healing.
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may recover within 2 to 6 weeks, while more significant ligament injuries often require 6 to 12 weeks or longer before returning to unrestricted activity.
Returning to sports should be based on your strength, balance, movement quality, and ability to perform sport-specific activities—not simply because the pain has improved. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a safe return-to-sport progression.
Repeated ankle sprains can lead to reduced balance, muscle weakness, and impaired joint position sense (proprioception), making the ankle feel unstable. Physiotherapy specifically targets these deficits to improve long-term stability.
