What Are Ankle Sprains?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect and stabilize your ankle bones are stretched or torn. A fracture primarily impacts bone, while a sprain means that ligaments are the source of the injury. Depending on the severity, the injury can involve minor microtears or a complete rupture of the ligament. Sprains are graded by severity, from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade III), and are most often treated without surgery.
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What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot rolls or twists beyond its normal range of motion. Common causes include:
- Walking or exercising on uneven surfaces
- Tripping or falling
- Sports that involve sudden stops or pivots, like basketball, tennis or football
- Someone stepping on your foot while you’re running or playing sports
Athletes, active individuals and anyone wearing unstable footwear are particularly at risk.
Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle
You might have a sprained ankle if you notice:
- Swelling or bruising
- Pain and tenderness when touched
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking
- Instability or a feeling that the ankle might “give out”
In more severe cases, the swelling can be significant, and you may hear a “pop” at the time of injury.
How Is a Sprained Ankle Treated?
Your doctor will evaluate your ankle’s movement, stability and areas of tenderness. Imaging tests such as an X-ray may be used to rule out a fracture, and an MRI might be ordered if a severe ligament tear or other injury is suspected.
Most ankle sprains heal with nonsurgical treatment, which may include:
- RICE: Rest, ice, compression and elevation to control pain and swelling
- Braces, wraps or boots to stabilize the joint during healing
- Physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
- Crutches or immobilization for more severe sprains
For rare cases where the ligament doesn’t heal properly or the ankle remains unstable despite several months of treatment, surgical repair may be considered
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Sprained Ankle?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain.
- Mild sprains: 1–3 weeks
- Moderate sprains: 3–6 weeks
- Severe sprains: 6–12 weeks or longer
Returning to activity too soon can increase the risk of re-injury or chronic ankle instability. Completing physical therapy and following your doctor’s recommendations are key to avoiding long-term problems.
How Can I Prevent Ankle Sprains?
Preventing a sprain — or avoiding re-injury — starts with building ankle stability and awareness:
- Warm up and stretch before physical activity
- Strengthen your calves and ankles
- Practice balance exercises
- Wear supportive shoes designed for your activity
- Consider ankle taping or bracing during sports
Even after recovery, ongoing balance and strengthening exercises can help protect against future sprains.
Ankle Sprain Treatment at OrthoNebraska
Looking for sprained ankle relief in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
