Sprained Ankle

Symptoms can vary depending on how severe the injury is. Mild sprains may cause discomfort, while more serious injuries can make it difficult to walk.

Common symptoms include:

• pain in the ankle, especially when putting weight on it

• swelling around the joint; which causes stiffness and a reduced range of movement

• bruising or discolouration

• tenderness when touching the ankle

• a feeling of instability or the ankle “giving way”

• a snapping or ripping sensation at the time of injury

In more severe cases, you may not be able to bear weight on the affected foot at all. If this happens, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

A sprained ankle usually occurs when the ankle is forced into an unnatural position, stretching the ligaments beyond their normal range.

Common causes include:

• twisting or rolling the ankle during sports such as football, tennis, or running

• landing awkwardly after jumping

• walking or running on uneven surfaces

• sudden changes in direction or speed

• slipping or tripping

Risk factors

Some factors can increase your risk of spraining your ankle:

• previous ankle injuries

• poor balance or coordination

• weak muscles around the ankle

• wearing unsuitable or poorly fitting footwear

• participating in high-impact or contact sports

If you have symptoms of a sprained ankle, you’ll be seen by a consultant at an initial consultation. They’ll ask about how the injury happened, your symptoms, and your medical history.

A physical examination will usually follow. Your consultant will assess:

• swelling and bruising

• tenderness over specific ligaments

• your range of movement

• the stability of your ankle joint

In many cases, a diagnosis can be made based on this assessment alone. However, tests may be needed to confirm the severity of the injury or rule out other problems.

These tests may include:

• X-ray – to check for fractures or bone injuries

• ultrasound scan – to assess the extent of ligament damage

• MRI scan – to provide detailed images of soft tissues, especially in more severe or ongoing cases

Your consultant may recommend imaging if you cannot bear weight, have severe pain, or if symptoms are not improving as expected.

While it’s not always possible to prevent a sprained ankle, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, especially if you’re active or have had previous injuries.

Helpful measures include:

• strengthening the muscles around your ankle and lower leg

• improving balance and coordination with targeted exercises

• wearing supportive, well-fitting footwear

• using ankle supports or braces if recommended

• taking care on uneven or slippery surfaces

• gradually increasing the intensity of physical activity

If you’ve had a previous ankle sprain, rehabilitation exercises are especially important to prevent recurrence.

Most sprained ankles heal well with appropriate care. However, complications can occur, particularly if the injury is severe or not treated properly.

Possible complications include:

• chronic ankle instability – the ankle may feel weak or give way repeatedly

• ongoing pain or swelling – symptoms may persist beyond the expected recovery period

• recurrent sprains – previous injury increases the risk of future sprains

• joint stiffness – reduced mobility if rehabilitation is not completed

• cartilage damage – in some cases, the joint surface may be affected

These complications are more likely if you return to activity too soon or do not follow a structured recovery plan. Early assessment and appropriate treatment can help reduce these risks.

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain and your individual needs. Most mild to moderate sprains can be managed without surgery, while more severe injuries may require specialist care.

Treatment options include:

• rest and activity modification – avoiding activities that worsen symptoms while the ligament heals

• ice therapy – applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain in the first few days

• compression – using a bandage or support to limit swelling

• elevation – keeping the ankle raised above heart level where possible

• pain relief medication – such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines

• physiotherapy – exercises to restore full strength, flexibility, and balance

• ankle supports or braces – to stabilise the joint during recovery

• walking boot or crutches – in more severe cases, to reduce the offload on the ankle and speed up healing

• injections – occasionally used to manage inflammation in persistent cases

• surgery – rarely needed, but may be recommended for severe ligament tears or long-term instability

At Welbeck, your consultant will create a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.