Ankle Sprain Treatment
at Foot Foundation
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle.
At Foot Foundation, we provide expert diagnosis, strapping, orthotic support, and structured rehabilitation to restore stability and prevent long-term complications.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, typically caused by rolling or twisting the ankle beyond its normal range.
This leads to stretching or tearing of the supporting ligaments, most often on the outside (lateral) aspect of the ankle.
Grade I (Mild): microscopic ligament tearing, minimal swelling
Grade II (Moderate): partial ligament tear, swelling and bruising, difficulty walking
Grade III (Severe): complete ligament rupture, significant instability, unable to bear weight
At Foot Foundation, we specialise in accurate diagnosis, acute management, and long-term rehabilitation to restore stability and prevent chronic ankle problems.
Causes & Risk Factors
Sudden inversion or “rolling” of the ankle
Sports with cutting, jumping, or rapid direction changes (e.g. netball, basketball, football)
Poor footwear or uneven surfaces
Previous ankle injury (most significant risk factor for recurrence)
Weak peroneal muscles or poor balance
Joint laxity or hypermobility
High-heeled or unstable shoes
Fatigue, leading to reduced neuromuscular control
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Acute management (first 48 hours): RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) plus protected weight-bearing if required
Strapping or bracing – to stabilise the joint during recovery
Manual therapy – joint mobilisation, soft tissue release
Custom orthotics – correct biomechanics and improve stability
Rehabilitation programs – strength, balance, and proprioceptive training to prevent recurrence
Shockwave therapy – for persistent ligament pain or scar tissue
Return-to-sport planning – graded, sport-specific rehabilitation
Referral – to orthopaedics if high-grade ligament rupture or associated fracture suspected
Symptoms
Pain on the outer side of the ankle (most common – lateral ligament complex)
Swelling and bruising around the ankle
Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Tenderness over the injured ligaments (usually ATFL – anterior talofibular ligament)
Feeling of instability or “giving way”
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis is made through:
Clinical history and mechanism of injury assessment
Palpation of the ligament complex (ATFL, CFL, PTFL)
Functional tests (balance, strength, gait assessment)
Imaging:
X-ray if fracture suspected (using Ottawa Ankle Rules)
Ultrasound or MRI for severe injuries or suspected syndesmosis (“high ankle sprain”)
Contact us to learn more about Ankle Sprain treatment
If you are dealing with an Ankle Sprain, our team can help you find the most suitable Foot Foundation clinic for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment support.
Whether your injury is recent, keeps recurring, or is affecting walking, sport, work, or daily movement, we can guide you towards the right clinician and the right next step for your care.
To learn more about Ankle Sprain treatment and find the most suitable clinic for your care, use the links below:
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Ankle Sprain assessment and treatment can vary depending on your consultation, the severity of the injury, the treatment approach recommended, and whether ongoing podiatry or rehabilitation care is required.
Your Foot Foundation clinician will assess the injured ligaments, identify the severity of the sprain, and explain the most appropriate treatment plan based on your symptoms, stability, activity level, and recovery goals.
To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:
Ankle Sprain -
Frequently Asked Questions
What ligaments are injured in an ankle sprain?
Most ankle sprains affect the lateral ligament complex, especially the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). Less commonly, the injury may affect the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle or the syndesmotic ligaments in a high ankle sprain.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Healing time depends on the severity of the injury.
Grade I: around 1 to 3 weeks
Grade II: around 4 to 6 weeks
Grade III: often 8 to 12 weeks or longer, usually requiring more structured rehabilitation.
Do I need an X-ray for an ankle sprain?
Not always. An X-ray is usually recommended if a fracture is suspected, especially if you cannot walk properly after the injury or there is significant tenderness over the bones. Clinical assessment and the Ottawa Ankle Rules help guide whether imaging is needed.
Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
In mild ankle sprains, some weight-bearing may still be possible. In moderate or severe sprains, walking too early can worsen the injury. A clinician can help guide when and how to return to normal activity safely.
Why does my ankle keep rolling after a sprain?
Repeated sprains can happen when the ligaments remain weak or stretched, or when balance and neuromuscular control have not fully recovered. This is often described as chronic ankle instability and usually benefits from proper rehabilitation and support.
Should ankle sprains always be strapped or braced?
Strapping or bracing is often helpful in the early stage to provide extra support while the ligaments heal. However, it should usually be combined with strengthening and balance retraining so the ankle regains its own stability.
What is a high ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain involves the ligaments between the tibia and fibula above the ankle joint, known as the syndesmosis. These injuries are less common but often more serious and may take longer to recover.
Can orthotics help ankle sprains?
Yes. Orthotics can help improve foot mechanics, reduce excessive rolling, improve balance, and lower the risk of repeated ankle sprains, especially in people with ongoing instability.
When should I see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain?
If you cannot bear weight, have severe swelling or bruising, feel ongoing instability, or the pain is not improving within about one week, it is best to seek specialist assessment early.
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Our approach to Ankle Sprain
At Foot Foundation, our approach to Ankle Sprain begins with a thorough assessment to identify the ligaments involved, determine the severity of the injury, and check whether there may also be a fracture, syndesmosis injury, or longer-term instability.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we create a personalised treatment plan focused on reducing pain, protecting healing tissues, restoring movement, and rebuilding ankle stability. Depending on your presentation, treatment may include acute management advice, strapping or bracing, manual therapy, custom orthotics, rehabilitation programmes, shockwave therapy for persistent symptoms, and a structured return-to-sport plan where needed. In more severe cases, we may also recommend imaging or referral for orthopaedic assessment.
Our goal is not only to help the ankle heal, but also to restore strength, balance, and confidence so you can return to daily activity, work, and sport while reducing the risk of the injury happening again.
