Not just a "simple" ankle sprain

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sport and everyday life.¹ Because they're so common, many people see them as "simple" injuries that will heal on their own, and many never see a health professional about them.² But a sprain that isn't looked after properly can leave you with an ankle that keeps rolling or giving way. Here's why a sprain deserves proper care, and what helps.

What is an ankle sprain?

A sprain happens when you "roll" your ankle and overstretch or tear one or more of the ligaments that hold the joint together.³ It usually causes pain, swelling and bruising, and it can be hard to move the ankle or put weight on it.³

Most sprains take 4–6 weeks to heal, but some people still have discomfort up to 12 months later.³

Why isn't it "simple"?

Sprains often happen again. Up to 4 in 10 people who sprain their ankle for the first time go on to develop chronic ankle instability.⁴ This means that a year or more after the injury, they still:

• feel the ankle "give way", especially during sport or on uneven ground
• keep spraining the same ankle
• have ongoing pain, swelling, stiffness or weakness.⁴

Chronic ankle instability can make people less active, affect their quality of life, and is linked with arthritis in the ankle later on.¹

People who don't get treatment for a sprain tend to do worse. In one study, they had poorer ankle function and more repeat sprains and episodes of giving way than people who did get treatment.²

What to do after an ankle sprain

In the first couple of days, rest the ankle, use ice packs for 10 minutes every 1–2 hours, use a compression bandage and raise the ankle to reduce swelling.³ These steps can ease pain and swelling, but on their own they aren't enough to help the ankle recover well.

Get it assessed. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened, examine your ankle and check which ligaments are injured and how stable the joint is. We also look for signs of a broken bone or a tendon injury, and arrange an x-ray or scan if needed. Examining the ankle a few days after the injury, once the swelling settles, gives the most reliable picture of how badly the ligaments are damaged.⁵

Start moving and exercising. Early, gentle movement and a supervised exercise program work better than passive treatments alone.⁵,⁶ Your program will build up to balance, strength and sport-specific exercises.

Support the ankle. A short time in a moon boot or splint can help with pain and swelling after a bad sprain, but most people do best with tape or a brace combined with exercise.⁵

Manage pain. Hands-on treatment of the joint can help with pain, swelling and function alongside exercise.⁶ Anti-inflammatory medicines can reduce pain and swelling, but they're not for everyone, so check with your pharmacist or GP.⁵,⁶ Treatments like laser aren't a substitute for exercise.

Managing an unstable ankle

With good care and an exercise program, many people avoid long-term instability. If your ankle does stay unstable:

• Keep up the exercises. Balance and strengthening exercises help prevent further sprains.⁶
• Wear a brace for sport. Ankle braces work well to prevent repeat sprains.⁵,⁶ We can fit off-the-shelf or custom braces, such as the Ritchie Brace.
• Consider surgery if your ankle stays unstable despite a thorough exercise program.⁵ We can refer you to a surgeon if needed.

When to see a podiatrist or doctor

See a doctor or go to an emergency department straight away if you can't put any weight on your ankle or it looks deformed.³ See a podiatrist if you've sprained your ankle and pain, swelling or stiffness isn't improving, or if your ankle keeps giving way.³

Don't wait for a sprain to "just get better". Book an appointment and we'll help you get back on your feet.

References

1. Gribble PA, Bleakley CM, Caulfield BM, et al. (2016). Evidence review for the 2016 International Ankle Consortium consensus statement on the prevalence, impact and long-term consequences of lateral ankle sprains. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(24), 1496–1505. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096189
2. Hubbard-Turner T. (2019). Lack of medical treatment from a medical professional after an ankle sprain. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(6), 671–675. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-428-17
3. healthdirect Australia (2024). Sprained ankle. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sprained-ankle
4. Hertel J, Corbett RO. (2019). An updated model of chronic ankle instability. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(6), 572–588. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-344-18
5. Vuurberg G, Hoorntje A, Wink LM, et al. (2018). Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(15), 956. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098106
6. Doherty C, Bleakley C, Delahunt E, Holden S. (2017). Treatment and prevention of acute and recurrent ankle sprain: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(2), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096178

Reviewed by Andrew Schox, Podiatrist, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod. Last reviewed October 2026.