Is pain relief enough after an ankle sprain?
Pain and swelling may decrease after an ankle sprain. However, rehabilitation may also be needed for the ankle to bear weight safely again, change direction and maintain balance.
In a study involving 522 athletes, an eight-week home programme of balance and joint-control exercises was added to usual treatment. Within one year, 22% of the exercise group and 33% of the control group reported another sprain. Exercise helped reduce the risk of recurrence, but did not prevent all sprains.
Protecting the ankle and using support when needed are important in the early stages. Range-of-motion, muscle-strengthening and balance exercises can then be introduced gradually according to the severity of the injury. Severe sprains may also require a short period of immobilisation.
Significant difficulty bearing weight on the foot or tenderness over a bone requires assessment for a possible fracture. Even if pain decreases, an ankle that frequently gives way or is repeatedly sprained should not be considered normal.