Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn, most commonly when the foot rolls inward. While often dismissed as minor, sprains that aren’t rehabilitated properly are a leading cause of ongoing pain and recurrent “weak ankles”.
Understanding the Injury
Most sprains affect the lateral (outer) ligaments. Severity ranges from mild overstretching to complete ligament rupture.
Grading
- Grade 1: Mild stretching, minimal instability
- Grade 2: Partial tear, moderate swelling and instability
- Grade 3: Complete tear, significant instability
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the ankle
- Rapid swelling and bruising
- Tenderness over the ligaments
- Difficulty weight-bearing or walking
- A feeling of the ankle “giving way”
Causes and Risk Factors
- Landing awkwardly or on uneven ground
- Change-of-direction sports
- Previous ankle sprains
- Reduced balance or proprioception
- Inappropriate footwear
Assessment
- History and mechanism: How the injury occurred
- Examination: Swelling, tenderness, and ligament stability tests
- Screening for fracture: Referral for imaging when indicated
- Balance and strength testing: Identifying deficits to address
Physiotherapy Treatment
Early Phase
- Protecting the ankle and managing swelling
- Early controlled movement and weight-bearing
- Supportive taping or bracing if needed
Strength and Balance Phase
- Progressive ankle and calf strengthening
- Proprioception and balance retraining
- Restoring full range of motion
Return to Sport
- Hopping, landing, and agility drills
- Sport-specific movement training
- Objective testing before return to play
Preventing Recurrence
Restoring balance and strength is essential — incompletely rehabilitated ankles often lead to chronic instability and repeated sprains. Our programs specifically target the deficits that cause recurrence.
Expected Outcomes
With proper rehabilitation, most people return to full activity with a stable, confident ankle and a much lower risk of future sprains.
