Ankle sprain: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to ankle sprains — recovery, and why rehab matters to prevent recurrence.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt
Lead DirectorLast reviewed 1 July 2026
- Sprains usually involve the outer ankle ligaments.
- Early movement beats prolonged rest for most sprains.
- Rehab matters — poorly rehabbed ankles often re-sprain.
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a stretch or tear of the ligaments that support the ankle, most often from the ankle rolling inward.
Sprains are graded by severity. The outer (lateral) ligaments are most commonly affected. Even mild sprains benefit from rehabilitation to restore strength and balance.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
Typical symptoms are pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty putting weight on the ankle.
- Pain around the ankle, especially the outer side
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty or reluctance to bear weight
- A feeling of instability in more significant sprains
How is an ankle sprain treated?
Most sprains are treated with early protected movement, exercise, balance training and a graded return to activity.
Modern management favours gentle early movement over prolonged rest. Restoring strength and balance is essential to prevent recurrence and chronic instability.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for ankle sprains is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek assessment
Inability to bear weight, marked deformity, or bony tenderness after an ankle injury may indicate a fracture and should be assessed, often with an X-ray.
Sciatica FAQs
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Mild sprains often settle within a couple of weeks, while more significant sprains take longer. Rehabilitation helps ensure a full recovery.
Should I rest a sprained ankle completely?
Generally no. Early protected movement usually aids recovery more than prolonged rest, once a fracture is ruled out.
Why do I keep spraining the same ankle?
Repeated sprains often follow incomplete rehab, which leaves strength and balance deficits. A rehabilitation programme reduces this risk.
Can physiotherapy help an ankle sprain?
Yes. Exercise, balance training and a graded return to activity are central to recovery and preventing recurrence.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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