Sprained ankle

In short

• You have a sprained ankle if an ankle ligament is stretched beyond its normal range or (partially) torn
• Sprained ankles generally heal well. You are usually able to walk normally again within a week or two. But the symptoms associated with ankle sprains can persist and become a chronic problem
• If you have recently sprained your ankle, a physiotherapist can assess the severity of the sprain and advise you on what to do (and what not to do) during the early stages of the healing process
• It is also important to seek advice and treatment from a physiotherapist if your symptoms persist or become chronic

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle often seems to happen out of nowhere. You fail to notice an uneven surface or land awkwardly from a fall or a jump during sport. Before you know it, your foot has rolled too far inward or outward and you have a sprained ankle. This means that one or more of the ankle ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range and have developed minor tears. The ankle joint is stabilised by a joint capsule and held together by ligaments and tendons on the outside and inside of the ankle joint. A sprained ankle usually means that the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are injured. Sprained ankles are graded according to the severity of the injury. There are three grades:

• Grade 1: A mild sprain. Overstretching of the ligaments with minimal injury. Sometimes there may be slight swelling and tenderness. It is possible to put weight on your foot and walk
• Grade 2: A moderate sprain. The ligaments are partially torn and there is swelling and bruising. It is painful to put weight on your foot and difficult to walk
• Grade 3: A severe sprain. There is complete tearing of the ligament(s) with severe swelling and bruising. It is usually impossible to put weight on your foot and walk

Symptoms of a sprained ankle

The symptoms depend on the severity of the sprain. The three grades of ankle sprain are described above.

When you have a sprained ankle, it is usually painful to put weight on your foot and walk. If small blood vessels have burst, your ankle will be bruised and swollen.

On average, it takes six weeks to fully recover from a mild sprain so it is possible to fully resume sporting activities without symptoms.

In the case of a moderate or severe sprain, it is usually possible to walk normally again after one to two weeks. Almost everyone can perform all daily activities after six to eight weeks and can resume sporting activities after eight to twelve weeks.

An ankle ligament injury can become a chronic problem. Your ankle continues to feel painful and unstable and you feel that you could sprain your ankle again at any moment. The fear of another sprain can increase the likelihood of another injury. Persistent symptoms can also lead to a loss of strength and coordination and possibly even a loss of stamina and endurance over time.

Treatment of a sprained ankle

Treatment of mild to moderate ankle sprain is primarily designed to reduce pain and swelling. You are generally advised to wear a bandage or compression sock. You will be prescribed exercises to keep your ankle mobile and strengthen your ankle.

If the sprain is more severe, your ankle will need more support. You may need to tape your ankle or wear an ankle brace or a splint. It may also be necessary to have an X-ray or scan to rule out the possibility of a fracture. A severely sprained ankle is sometimes put in a plaster cast for a short time and then taped for a few weeks. Occasionally, a sprained ankle requires surgery, but this is rare.

How can a physiotherapist help?

If you think you have a Grade 1 or Grade 2 sprain, your physiotherapist will be able to assess the severity of the sprain by examining your ankle and asking about your symptoms. In other words, you do not need to see your doctor first. You can make an appointment directly with the physiotherapist. If you think you probably have a Grade 3 sprain and/or that you may have broken something, it is best to see a doctor first.

While you are recovering from the sprain, your physiotherapist will give you exercises to do to keep your ankle mobile. They will tell you how much weight to put on your ankle and when you can resume activities. The injury will have weakened your ankle and the surrounding structures, so the physiotherapist will prescribe progressive exercises to strengthen your ankle. Eventually, you will be able to do exercises that prepare you for the demands of a certain sport or the physical requirements of your work. The exercises will also help prevent another sprain. How can you avoid spraining your ankle (again)?

• Wear shoes that fit well
• Strengthen your lower leg muscles
• Do not immediately resume sporting activities. After injuring your ankle, it is best to seek the advice of a physiotherapist or specialist
• When you do resume sporting activities, (depending on the type of sport) wear a bandage or brace for a while to protect your ankle

Our physiotherapists are available nearby to provide immediate treatment for your symptoms. We have a practice in your company or in the area, so you can start treatment straight away and do not have to spend time travelling. Our physiotherapists are familiar with your workplace. They know a great deal about the workstations, working postures, workloads and strains that the employees within the company have to deal with. They will assess your condition and determine the right treatment and guidance to best meet your needs.