Fun fact, ankle sprains make up 5% of Emergency Department visits in Australia every year (for context, there were 8.8 million visits to the Emergency Department in 2022-2023, therefore 440,000 of those were for ankle sprains only!). An ankle sprain is defined as stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect bone to bone, most often affecting the lateral or outside aspect of the ankle.

As much as these injuries are one of the most common sport injuries, I’m sure that either the person reading this blog or someone you know has ‘rolled their ankle’ not on the sporting field. Far from it being “just a simple ankle sprain”, they can cause significant concern due to their complexity and long-term effects if not treated correctly.

Ankle sprains are a result of a forced mechanism causing excessive range of motion to the ankle, leading to ligaments that surround the ankle to over-stretch. In other words, the foot twists inwards (most of the time) or outwards (rarely). This can happen by either falling on your ankle, twisting or suddenly changing direction. However, there are numerous risks factors that can result in an ankle sprain:

• Previous or existing ankle injury
• Lack of ankle strength
• Either reduced or excessive ankle flexibility
• Poor balance
• Poor or uneven surface
• Inappropriate footwear
• External force to the ankle

Ankle sprains are graded on a scale of 1 to 3 (mild, moderate, severe), depending on the degree of ligament tearing. 

• Grade 1: These sprains are mild in nature. They usually result in a minor tear or stretching of the ligaments around the ankle. There is minimal pain afterwards and little to no joint instability, bruising or swelling. These usually take 1 – 2 weeks to recover.
• Grade 2: Moderate ankle sprains involve some tearing of the ligaments around the ankle. There is moderate pain with walking and typically there is swelling, instability and poor balance initially. There is usually a 2 – 4 weeks recovery time.
• Grade 3: Severe sprains are complete tears of the ligaments around the ankle. This results in severe pain, swelling, bruising and generally difficulty walking. Sometimes, there ankles can be so severe that they may result in dislocation or fracture of the ankle! As there is complete tearing of the ligaments, recovery time for these sprains can be up to 12 weeks.

Ankle sprains can become a complex injury, depending on the severity or frequency of sprains. What makes these sprains complicated is not only the immediate pain and disability it can cause but the potential for it to lead to what’s known as chronic ankle instability. The ligaments that hold the joint together if overstretched or severely torn will not recover naturally. Therefore, the ankle could become constantly unstable and a higher risk of frequent sprains or further injury to the foot or uncomfortable changes in your mechanism of walking.

Unfortunately, relying solely on ice packs and not moving the ankle is not the best way of managing ankle sprains. Do not fear though, physiotherapy will help treat the ankle! Physiotherapist can do this by understanding the cause of injury, completing a comprehensive assessment of the foot and ankle, and providing a specific exercise and treatment program to help improve the strength and mobility of the ankle. The goal of physiotherapy is to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve the mobility and balance of the foot and ankle. This should help reduce the risk of further sprains and allow for continued sport and function.

Ankle sprains can be complex and lead to complications in the long term. Rather than ignoring it, getting a comprehensive assessment and physiotherapy treatment will help manage the pain and improve the function to get you back to your normal activities. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing chronic problems.

So, if you or someone you know has rolled their ankle or keeps rolling their ankles, don’t let it hinder your daily activities and enjoyment of life. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan.

Our experienced physiotherapists are here to help you recover quickly and prevent future injuries.

Call us now on (02) 4721 1222 or book an appointment online.