Ankle Sprain Frequently Asked Questions


What does the ankle joint do for the body?


The ankle joint provides the body with balance, stability, and the ability to bear the body’s weight. It
must do all these tasks while being exercised and manipulated over one million times a year. Click
here for more information.

Are there different types of ankle sprains?


Ankle sprains occur in several forms: the high ankle sprain, the lateral ankle sprain, the medial ankle
sprain, and the low ankle sprain. The high ankle sprain injures the ligaments connecting the two
bones of the lower leg (the tibia and fibula) at the ankle joint. The medial ankle sprain injures the
inside ligaments, collectively referred to as the deltoid ligament. The low ankle sprain involves the
ligaments supporting the subtalar joint. Click here for more information.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain?


There are four symptoms common to all ankle sprains, pain, swelling, bruising, and joint instability.
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How are ankle sprains diagnosed?


A physician will take the patient’s history, perform a physical examination to assess the joint’s stability.
Further evaluation may include X-rays, MRI, and/or a CT Scan. Click here for more information.

What is the non-operative treatment of an ankle sprain?


Most ankle sprains require Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE), followed by rehabilitation
and muscle strengthening. When the ankle sprain is managed immediately with RICE, symptoms
may be minimized despite the severity of injury. Another important element of the non-operative
treatment program is Protection. This changes the RICE formula to PRICE. Protection takes the form
of casting or using a walking boot for the more severe unstable ankle sprain. Your physician may also
recommend a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication. Click here for more information.

What is the operative treatment of a Grade III ankle sprain?


Surgery for a sprained ankle is rarely necessary, although some very severe sprains and some ankle
fractures will require an operation. Most patients recover satisfactorily by following a non-operative
treatment plan prescribed by their physicians. Click here for more information.

What is the recovery process for ankle sprains?


A mild ankle sprain can take two to three days for the stiffness and pain to subside. A moderate ankle
sprain may require one to three weeks of treatment while gradually returning to activities, with full
recovery taking five to eight weeks. A severe ankle sprain requires six to twelve months to heal
completely. Click here for more information.

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?


A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the strong tissues that connect bone to
bone across joints, such as the ankle. A strain, often confused with a sprain, is a stretching or overuse
of muscles and tendons. A strain is often described as a “tight muscle.” Strains occur within the
muscles when there is not a significant amount of time given to stretching, or “warming up,” the
muscle before activity. Click here for more information.

What causes an ankle sprain?


Ankle sprains are the result of a sudden twisting and pressure on the ankle. Sprains happen when
normal range of motion in the ankle is disrupted. They occur for several reasons but the most noted
are activities such as running on uneven pavement or stepping in a hole, jumping and landing on
someone’s foot, playing basketball, slipping on wet surfaces, wearing loose footwear or excessively
using a fatigued joint. Not listening to the body when it is tired increases the chance for an ankle
injury. Click here for more information.

How can an ankle sprain be prevented?


Stretching before activity, strengthening the muscles of the lower leg, and improving skills will help to
reduce the risk for ankle injury. This will also build strength within the joint. Strong muscles will
improve performance, reduce the risk of injury, and improve range of motion. Learning proper
technique for exercise will improve performance and help prevent injury. Click here for more
information.

How long does it take for an ankle sprain to heal?


In ankle sprains that are stable (no torn ligaments), activity can be resumed as soon as pain and
swelling subside and confidence in joint stability returns. This can vary from a few days to a few
weeks. When damage to the ligament is more severe, healing may take from 5-8 weeks following the
injury. Following a severe ankle sprain, recovery can take from 6-8 months. Click here for more
information.

Can the athlete return to his/her sport before treatment has been completed?


It is not recommended that the athlete return to his/her sport prior to the completion of rehabilitation.
Athletes must gradually increase activity. The chance for re-injury to the ankle is increased when
recovery is not complete. Re-injury to the ankle will limit healing so that strength in the joint may not
fully return to the pre-injury state. When treatment is completed, physicians recommend supporting
the ankle by taping or using a re-usable lace-up brace for at least 6 months following injury. Click here
for more information.