Ankle Sprain Treatment

More Than “Just a Twist”

Ankle sprains happen when the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together are stretched or torn. This usually occurs when the foot rolls inwards or outwards suddenly, such as during sports, uneven walking, or even a simple misstep on the stairs. or inflamed. This tissue supports the arch of the foot, and repeated strain can cause tiny tears, leading to pain and stiffness.

Although ankle sprains are very common, they should not be taken lightly. Without proper care, a seemingly small sprain can lead to long-term instability and recurring injuries.

What Does an Ankle Sprain Feel Like?

Typical symptoms include:

Pain immediately after the injury
Swelling around the ankle joint
Bruising or skin discolouration
Difficulty standing or walking on the affected foot
A feeling of “weakness” or instability in the ankle

The severity can range from a mild stretch of the ligament to a complete tear. In some cases, what seems like a sprain may actually be a fracture.

How Do Sprains Happen?

Ankle sprains are often caused by:

Sudden twists while running, jumping, or landing
Uneven ground or stepping on another person’s foot during sports
Wearing unstable footwear, such as high heels
Previous ankle injuries that weaken the ligaments
Poor balance or weak muscles around the ankle

Getting the Right Diagnosis

A doctor will examine the ankle to check swelling, tenderness, and stability. In mild cases, this may be enough for diagnosis. For more serious injuries, X-rays may be done to rule out a fracture. In some cases, an MRI is ordered to assess the extent of ligament damage.

Treatment: From First Aid to Recovery

The treatment plan depends on how severe the sprain is. Common approaches include:

Initial Care (R.I.C.E.)

Rest: Avoid activities that put stress on the ankle
Ice: Apply cold packs to reduce swelling
Compression: Use elastic bandages or ankle supports
Elevation: Raise the foot above heart level to reduce swelling

Medications

Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to ease discomfort

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility
Balance and strengthening programmes to reduce risk of future sprains
Use of braces or supports during sports or recovery

Injections or Procedures

In certain cases, injections may be considered for persistent swelling or pain

Surgery

Rarely required, but may be recommended if ligaments are severely torn or if repeated ankle sprains lead to chronic instability

Bouncing Back Safely

With proper treatment, most ankle sprains heal within weeks. However, recovery time varies depending on the grade of injury:

Mild sprains: Usually recover within 2–4 weeks
Moderate sprains: May take 6–8 weeks
Severe sprains: Can take several months and may need surgical repair

To prevent future sprains:

Strengthen ankle and leg muscles
Wear supportive footwear during sports and exercise
Warm up before physical activity
Use ankle braces or supports if you have a history of sprains

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

You cannot put weight on your ankle
The ankle looks deformed or extremely swollen
Pain does not improve after a few days of home care
You experience repeated sprains in the same ankle

Early evaluation ensures that fractures or serious ligament injuries are not overlooked.

Regain Stability with Personalised Care

If you’ve twisted your ankle and the pain lingers, don’t brush it off as “just a sprain.” Our team at Mash Spine & Orthopaedics can provide a thorough assessment and treatment plan tailored to your injury.