Ankle Sprains

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Background On Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are a common injury that can affect anyone at any age. They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint are damaged. These ligaments help stabilize and support the ankle.

The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion sprain, which happens when the foot twists inward, causing the ankle to roll outward. This type of sprain typically affects the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, including the:

  • Calcaneofibular ligament
  • Anterior talofibular ligament
  • Posterior talofibular ligament

Ankle sprains can occur during activities that cause the ankle to roll, such as losing balance, walking on uneven surfaces, landing awkwardly during sports, or making sudden turns.

woman inverting left foot while walking possibly causing an ankle sprain

Table of Contents

How Do You Know If You Sprained Your Ankle?

When you experience an inversion sprain, your foot will twist inward, and you’ll feel symptoms right away. These can include pain in the ankle, difficulty walking, swelling around the ankle joint, and stiffness. Any activity that causes the foot to twist inward will worsen the pain.

How To Treat A Sprained Ankle

Although many people tend to overlook ankle sprains and don’t properly care for them, inadequate treatment can lead to long-term ankle instability.
 
The first step in managing an ankle sprain is to follow the R.I.C.E method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—which helps alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Swelling can intensify the pain, so minimising it should help relieve discomfort.
 
A podiatrist can assist in supporting and stabilising your ankle while relieving stress from the injured ligaments. Treatment may include ankle strapping, the use of a brace, custom orthotics, and ensuring you wear appropriate footwear that doesn’t increase the risk of another sprain. The goal is to allow the ligaments to heal properly, restore normal movement, and reduce the likelihood of future sprains by addressing the underlying causes of the injury.

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What Does A Sprained Ankle Look Like?

After spraining your ankle, it is common for the area to swell and potentially become red or bruised. While the swelling should go down over time, the bruising may persist longer. If there is no bruising, the ankle may appear normal, but it can still be very painful to walk on.

How Long Does A Sprained Ankle Take To Heal?

The recovery time for an ankle sprain largely depends on the severity of the injury and other factors, such as how quickly you begin proper care and treatment.

  • A mild ankle sprain typically takes about 3 weeks to heal (anywhere between 2 to 5 weeks).
  • A moderate sprain may take around 4 weeks to recover (between 3 to 6 weeks).
  • A severe sprain can take up to 6 months to heal (anywhere between 2 to 6 months).

The earlier you begin caring for your ankle and promoting healing, the quicker your recovery will be.

Ankle Sprains FAQ's

Right after your injury, your ankle may swell as a response to the damage, and the swelling can last for a few days. Using ice, compression, or taking oral anti-inflammatories can help reduce the swelling and speed up the recovery process. Although swelling can be painful and uncomfortable, it is a natural part of the body’s healing and repair process.

Resuming walking too soon after an ankle sprain can lead to further complications. When you sprain your ankle, one or more ligaments that help keep the ankle stable are damaged. These ligaments become weakened and can’t perform their function as effectively. As a result, you may be more prone to re-injuring your ankle or causing additional damage to the already injured ligaments.

However, research suggests that staying mobile during recovery—bearing weight on the ankle when it’s safe and comfortable—can actually help speed up the healing process. This approach, rather than complete immobilisation with a boot or crutches, has been shown to promote recovery.

It is common for your ankle to feel warm after a sprain, particularly if there is noticeable swelling or redness. However, ankle sprains typically do not cause a systemic fever. A fever is usually a sign of an infection in the body. If you experience a fever along with your sprained ankle, it’s important to consult your GP right away.
Yes, you can use heat, but not within the first 48-72 hours of the sprain or while there is still significant swelling. During this initial period, ice is typically used to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Once the swelling starts to subside, heat can be applied to increase blood flow to the area and support the healing process

We strongly advise against playing sports on a sprained ankle, as doing so may worsen the injury, cause a re-sprain, or lead to other injuries as you compensate for the pain in your ankle. It’s important to allow your ankle time to heal properly before returning to physical activity.

X-rays are primarily used to assess changes in bone, while ankle sprains involve damage to ligaments, which are soft tissues. As such, an x-ray is not typically used to diagnose an ankle sprain. However, if there’s a suspicion of a bone fracture along with the sprain, an x-ray may be ordered.

To evaluate the severity of an ankle sprain and determine how many ligaments have been affected, ultrasound can be used. This imaging technique helps assess the damage to the soft tissues, providing a clearer picture of the injury.

Yes, a sprained ankle can bruise, but it doesn’t always happen. Bruising occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged due to the injury. While it can be painful, bruising is typically not a sign of anything more serious.

Ice should typically be applied to the ankle for no longer than 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, with breaks between sessions. Always place a towel or cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent ice burns. Some people prefer using an ice foot bath, and the same 20-minute limit applies for immersion.

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