Joint & Extremity
Ankle Sprain
Twisted ankle — and how to actually fix it (not just rest it).
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, but they're also one of the most undertreated. About 40% of patients develop chronic ankle instability after a 'simple' sprain because they didn't complete proper rehab. Our sports medicine team focuses on full recovery — not just initial pain relief — so the ankle becomes more stable than it was before the injury.
Understanding the Condition
What is Ankle Sprain?
Most ankle sprains are inversion injuries — the foot rolls inward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle (the ATFL is most commonly injured). High ankle sprains affect the syndesmosis (between tibia and fibula) and have a different recovery path. Sprains are graded I (mild stretching), II (partial tear), or III (complete tear).
The critical piece most patients miss: after pain and swelling resolve, the ankle has lost proprioception (the brain's sense of where it is in space) and balance. Without specific neuromuscular retraining, the ankle stays prone to re-spraining — sometimes for life.
Common Causes
- Rolling the ankle on uneven ground or in sport
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Stepping on another player's foot
- Wearing shoes inadequate for the activity
- Previous sprain (biggest risk factor for next sprain)
Common Symptoms
- Sudden pain on the outer ankle (most common) or inner ankle
- Swelling and bruising within hours
- Inability to bear weight (varies by severity)
- Tenderness over specific ligaments
- Feeling of instability when walking
When to Seek Care
When Should You See a Specialist?
See a specialist for inability to bear weight after 1–2 days, severe swelling or deformity, pain over the bone (vs. ligament — could be a fracture), or any sprain that's recurrent. The Ottawa Ankle Rules guide whether X-ray is needed acutely.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Ankle Sprain
We always begin with the least invasive treatment that's likely to work for you. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has been given a fair trial — or when the situation truly requires it.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for first 48–72 hours
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or air-cast for stability during healing
- Crutches if weight-bearing is too painful
- Physical therapy — single biggest factor in preventing re-sprain
- Proprioception training (single-leg balance, wobble board)
Surgical Options
- Arthroscopic ankle ligament repair (Brostrom procedure) — for chronic instability
- Lateral ligament reconstruction with allograft — for severe instability
- OCD (osteochondral defect) repair when associated with the sprain
Recovery & Outlook
What to Expect After Treatment
Grade I sprains: 1–2 weeks. Grade II: 3–6 weeks. Grade III: 6–12 weeks. With proper PT, most patients return to full activity. Without proper PT, about 40% develop chronic instability — which is why we emphasize completing the full rehab program.
Related Treatments
Services That Address Ankle Sprain
Ankle Sprain — Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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Foot Fractures
Stress, traumatic, and complex foot fractures including metatarsal, calcaneal, and Lisfranc injuries.
Sports Injuries
A wide range of athletic injuries from sprains and strains to fractures and dislocations.
Fractures & Trauma
Simple and complex bone fractures requiring expert orthopedic management.
Get Expert Help for Ankle Sprain
Our specialists can diagnose your condition and design a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to the life you love.