Ankle sprain
Ankle sprain
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments in your ankle get stretched too far and tear. Doctors sometimes call this a soft tissue injury. The damage can range from a small tear to a complete rupture, and how bad the tear is will decide how long you need to fully recover.
Who is this information for?
This information may help you if you have already been told you have an ankle sprain. If you are noticing new symptoms or your symptoms are not settling, please speak with your healthcare professional for advice. You can also read more about looking after ankle problems yourself.
Key facts about an ankle sprain
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments on the outer side of your ankle get stretched too far and tear. It can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and make your ankle feel weaker or harder to move. It is often caused by a direct knock to the ankle or by a fall. After a sprain, it is important to start moving your ankle gently and gradually. Certain exercises can help you recover well. Most people notice steady improvement and are fully recovered within 8 to 12 weeks.
Frequently asked questions about an ankle sprain
How do you sprain your ankle?
Spraining your ankle means the ligaments have been stretched beyond their normal limit. Depending on how serious it is, this may cause a small tear or a complete rupture. People also describe this as going over on the ankle or rolling the ankle.
Is an ankle sprain painful?
Yes, an ankle sprain can be quite painful. It can also cause bruising and swelling. You may find it hard to walk or to use stairs comfortably. The ankle may also feel warmer than usual and look more red than normal.
Can I take painkillers for an ankle sprain?
Yes, painkillers can help manage the symptoms of an ankle sprain. You can read more about when it is appropriate to take painkillers.
Can I use heat or ice on my ankle sprain?
Yes, both heat and ice can help ease your symptoms. Do not place heat or ice directly on your skin, and avoid using either for more than 20 minutes at a time. Leave a gap of a few hours between applications.
Do I need to take time off work with an ankle sprain?
This depends on how severe your sprain is and what kind of work you do. You do not need to be completely free of symptoms before you continue working or return to work.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When should I speak to a healthcare professional?
If your ankle isn’t getting better by 8 to 12 weeks or it’s getting worse, speak to a healthcare professional.
When should I get help and support for an ankle sprain?
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
Talk to a healthcare professional if:
- your symptoms haven’t improved within 8 to 12 weeks following this advice
- your symptoms get worse
Find out about access to MSK services in your area.
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing. This can impact your recovery.
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.
Causes
What are the causes of an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is usually caused by twisting or rolling your ankle which can overstretch the ankle ligaments. It can happen during sport or as the result of sudden movement.
How do I manage my ankle after a sprain?
Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which can help manage your symptoms.
More about taking painkillers
Treatment
Treating an ankle sprain with heat and ice
Using heat or ice on your ankle can help reduce symptoms. Both heat and ice help reduce pain. You can use whichever feels most helpful for you.
Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a heat or ice burn. Never place heat or ice directly on your skin. Apply for no longer than 20 minutes at a time and leave a few hours between treatments.
How to avoid hot water bottle burns and scalds – Care of Burns in Scotland
When to stop using heat or ice
You should stop treating the area with heat or ice if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.
Read more about burns and scalds
If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use heat or ice as a treatment for ankle pain.
Reducing the swelling after an ankle sprain helps reduce the pain and increase the range of movement.
Read more about soft tissue injury advice
Moving your ankle after a sprain
As soon as possible gradually start to move the ankle through your normal range of movement. This may be uncomfortable but it’s important to start as soon as possible to help your recovery.
Stop if this becomes too painful for you and get in touch with your healthcare professional.
Rehabilitation of an ankle sprain
The aim of rehabilitation is to improve your:
- muscle strength
- joint stability
- balance and co-ordination
If you’re diagnosed with an ankle sprain, your healthcare professional will discuss specific rehabilitation goals with you. However, the general timescales involved are
- 0-2 weeks
- 2-6 weeks
- 6-12 weeks
You should see an improvement in movement and swelling. Standing and walking should become easier.
Your walking should now be back to normal. Your movement will be almost at 100% and swelling will be reducing.
Your ability to do your day-to-day activities are beginning to return to normal.
Every soft tissue injury can be different; your injury may take slightly longer or shorter than these timescales. The most important thing is that it’s improving.
Recovery is not always straight forward, it can be normal to have setbacks during this time. It’s important to pace your activities to help with your recovery.
Will I be able to work with an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on your condition and your role at work.
You don’t need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as is possible for you, will help your recovery.
Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help to build up your strength and stamina levels.