Ankle Sprain

Rolled Your Ankle? Here’s What You Need to Know About Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, not just in sports, but in everyday life. Most people will experience at least one in their lifetime.

It might seem minor at first, but a poorly managed sprain can linger, affecting your walking, balance, and confidence for months.

Common causes

What Actually Happens in an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support your ankle are overstretched or torn, usually after your ankle “rolls” or gives way.

You might notice:

• A sudden roll or twist of the ankle

• A “pop” or “crack” at the time of injury

• Swelling (immediate or within a few hours)

• Pain when walking or difficulty weight bearing

• A limp

• Reduced movement and stiffness

• Reduced balance or confidence in the ankle

Not All Ankle Sprains Are the Same

While many sprains affect the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, some injuries involve other structures like:

• Bone

• Tendons

• Cartilage within the joints of the foot

This is important as management changes depending on the structures injured

Common Ligaments Involved

Ligaments on the outside (lateral) of the ankle

• ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament): most commonly injured

• CFL (calcaneofibular ligament): provides mid-ankle stability

• PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament): less commonly injured

Ligaments on the inside (medial) of the ankle

• Deltoid ligament: a strong ligament on the inside of the ankle

What About a “High Ankle Sprain”?

A syndesmosis (high ankle) sprain involves the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). This ligament is a strong structure that attaches the tibia to the fibula, just above the ankle joint.

These are typically:

• More painful

• Slower to recover

• More likely to need longer rehabilitation

• Occasionally require surgical review if unstable

Treatment and management options

Why Rehab Matters (Even for “Mild” Sprains)

It’s tempting to rest until the pain settles; however, that’s where many people go wrong.

Without proper rehab, the ankle can remain:

• Weak

• Stiff

• Unstable

This significantly increases your risk of re-injury.
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Rehabilitation helps to:

• Restore movement and strength

• Improve balance and control

• Get you safely back to sport or daily activities

Other forms of treatment may include:

• Taping

• Bracing

• CAM boot – if bone injury is suspected  

Need your ankle assessed?  

If you have experienced a recent or recurrent ankle sprain, book an appointment today to have it assessed by one of our friendly physiotherapists and get you back on the field and doing the activities you love.

Additional Resources:  

Ankle sprains: a review of mechanism, pathoanatomy and management - ScienceDirect  

Acute Ankle Sprain Management: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews - PMC