Health Library

Sprained ankles are among the most common injuries seen in healthcare provider’s offices
and emergency departments every day.

When you sprain an ankle, 1 or more ligaments of your ankle become stretched or torn.
Ankle sprains most often happen when your toes are on the ground, but your heel is
up and you are walking on an uneven surface. Your ankle can turn inward, damaging
the ligaments.

Ligaments of the ankle provide mechanical stability, allow motion of the joint, and
provide a sense of where your ankle joint is. The most commonly sprained ligaments
are those on the outside of the ankle, on the side farthest from the other ankle.
But, it is also possible to sprain the ligaments on the inside of the ankle. 

If you think you’ve sprained your ankle, see your healthcare provider. Although in
many cases X-rays are not necessary, your healthcare provider may decide that you need 1
to make sure you do not have a fracture and to determine a treatment plan.

Frequent sprains can lead to arthritis, tendon injury, and an ankle that gives way
easily.

Your healthcare provider may advise you to:

• Immobilize the ankle with an inflatable splint.

• Use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).

• Let the ankle bear weight as best you can, using crutches.

• Move the ankle a bit with your healthcare provider’s guidance.

• Take anti-inflammatory medicines.

In severe cases, your healthcare provider may put a cast on the foot and ankle for
10 to 14 days.

Your healthcare provider may advise you to wear an ankle brace for a few months, especially during
a high-risk activity like playing basketball or volleyball, hiking, or just climbing
stairs.

Recovery after a sprain

Whatever the severity of sprain, the ankle needs time to recover. The first step in
rehabilitation is to rest the ankle, protecting it from injuring it even more and
reducing the swelling by following RICE. The next step is to make muscles and ligaments
stronger, and to restore range of motion. The last step involves activities that move
the foot in a straight line, followed later by sports that use more cutting, or side-to-side movements.

If you sprain your ankle, it’s important to follow through with rehabilitation to
avoid further injury. Once your ankle is fully recovered, work to keep your ankle
in good shape with flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Ankle exercise

When your ankle feels more stable, ask your healthcare provider about this exercise:

Stand on both legs. Brace yourself with 1 hand. Lift the uninjured leg off the ground
by bending your knee. Do this for 60 seconds with your eyes closed. Switch sides and
repeat until it’s just as easy on both sides. Then, increase the time. This helps
make your ankle stronger and may help to prevent future injuries.