Ankle Sprain Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.

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

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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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.

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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.
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