Ankle Sprains: What Matters & What To Do Next

Ankle Sprains: What Matters & What To Do Next

Ankle sprains are common in running and field sports—usually after a misstep, awkward landing, or contact. Most settle well with the right early decisions and a progressive, criteria-based plan rather than just “rest and hope.”

When to get it checked

  • Pain or swelling that stops you training or keeps returning

  • Feeling of the ankle giving way or instability

  • Bone tenderness at the malleoli, base of 5th metatarsal, or navicular (rule-out fracture)

  • Recurrent sprains or slow progress after “RICE”

How I help

As a chartered physiotherapist, I’ll:

  • Identify which ligaments and movements are involved

  • Check balance, strength, and movement control relevant to your sport

  • Map a clear path back to running, cutting, and match play—without skipping the steps that prevent re-injury

What to expect in your first session

  1. A focused assessment (injury history, swelling, ligament tests, balance/control)

  2. A simple starting plan to settle symptoms and regain confident weight-bearing

  3. Guidance on when to progress running, change of direction, and training minutes

  4. A personalised return-to-play roadmap that fits your schedule

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Rushing back to sport without restoring strength and balance

  • Wearing a brace but never addressing underlying control

  • Ignoring next-day swelling or “giving way” episodes

Ready to get back on your feet?
Book an assessment and we’ll build a plan that gets you moving now—while protecting you long-term.

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