Lateral ankle sprains
A lateral ankle sprain - the classic rolled ankle - injures the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, usually when the foot turns inwards during running, landing or a change of direction. Most sprains heal well, but they are frequently under-rehabilitated, which is why recurrent sprains and a sense of the ankle giving way are so common.
Good rehabilitation matters. Beyond settling the early swelling and restoring movement, treatment rebuilds strength, balance and control so the ankle is ready for the demands of your sport and less likely to go again. Melissa assesses the ankle, identifies the injuries that need further investigation, and progresses you through to a confident return to sport.
Read more about exercise rehabilitation & strength at Stride.
Common questions
How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?
Mild sprains often settle within a couple of weeks, while more significant ones can take six weeks or more, and full return to sport a little longer. Early movement and a progressive strength and balance programme speed things up and reduce the chance of recurrence. If you cannot put weight through the ankle or there is a lot of bony tenderness, it is worth an assessment to rule out a fracture.
Why do my ankles keep giving way?
Repeated sprains and a feeling of the ankle giving way usually point to an ankle that was not fully rehabilitated - the strength, balance and control that protect it have not been rebuilt, sometimes with ongoing ligament laxity. This is very treatable: a targeted programme restoring strength and balance markedly reduces recurrence. An assessment identifies what is driving it in your case.