Overview
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, the strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together at a joint. In an ankle sprain, the ankle usually twists inward, causing small tears in the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Sprains are graded by how bad they are. Grade 1 means the ligaments are stretched, grade 2 means they're partly torn, and grade 3 means a ligament is fully torn. Even after it heals, the ankle can stay a little weaker, so balance and strength exercises help prevent another sprain.
Symptoms
Symptoms start right after the twist injury.
- Pain, especially on the outside of the ankle
- Swelling of the joint
- Bruising
- Trouble putting weight on the ankle
Less common
- A popping sound or feeling at the time of injury
- The ankle feeling loose or giving way
- Can't walk on the injured ankle, or the ankle bone is tender (can mean a broken bone)
How it usually goes
- Days 1–2: Pain and swelling are worst. Use RICE.
- Days 3–10: Swelling goes down; a mild sprain is often much better.
- Weeks 2–6: Worse sprains keep healing. Start balance and strength exercises when it's safe.
When to get medical care
Causes
Ankle sprains happen when the foot rolls, twists, or turns beyond its normal range, stretching or tearing the ligaments.
Common causes include stepping on an uneven surface, landing wrong after a jump, sports with quick turns, and wearing high heels.
Who is more likely to get it
- Sports with jumping or quick turns, like basketball and soccer
- A past ankle sprain
- Uneven ground
- Weak ankle muscles or poor balance
Possible complications
- Broken ankle: Can happen with the same twist injury
- Weak, unstable ankle: Repeated sprains if the ankle doesn't fully heal
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can usually tell it's a sprain by examining your ankle. The main question is whether a bone might be broken.
Questions you may be asked
- How the injury happened, and whether you heard a pop
- Whether you could walk right after the injury
- Where it hurts most
- Whether you've sprained this ankle before
The exam
They'll look for swelling and bruising, press on the ankle bones and ligaments to find tender spots, check how the ankle moves, and see if you can take a few steps.
Tests
Tests may be needed:
- X-ray: If the ankle bones are tender to the touch or you can't walk 4 steps, to check for a broken bone.
- MRI: Rarely, for a severe sprain that isn't healing.
Treatment
Most ankle sprains heal with home care. Keep weight off the ankle at first, then slowly get moving as the pain allows.
Self-care
- Rest: keep weight off the ankle; crutches can help
- Ice: 20 minutes at a time, wrapped in a towel, every hour while awake for the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day
- Compression: wrap with an elastic bandage, snug but not tight
- Elevation: raise your ankle above your heart
- Take a pain reliever if you need it
- Start exercises for motion, balance, and strength when a healthcare professional says it's safe
Medicines
Pain relievers can ease pain while the ankle heals.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen | Pain, and swelling for ibuprofen and naproxen | Don't go over the daily limit on the label. Ibuprofen and naproxen can irritate the stomach; ask first if you have ulcers, kidney disease, or take blood thinners. |
Medicine names link to drug information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional.
A worse sprain may need a brace, boot, or splint. A fully torn ligament may need a cast for several weeks and, rarely, surgery. Physical therapy helps you get back your strength and balance.
How it compares
| Ankle sprain | Broken ankle | Achilles tear | Achilles tendinitis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Twisting the ankle | Twist, fall, or impact | Sudden push-off | Overuse |
| Pain spot | Soft tissue, outside of ankle | On the bone | Back of the ankle | Back of the heel |
| Walking | Painful but often possible | Often can't | Hard to push off or stand on toes | Painful |
| Pop | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | No |
| Treatment | RICE | Cast or surgery | Boot or surgery | Rest and stretching |
Prevention
These steps lower the chance of a sprain:
- Warm up before exercise
- Do balance and ankle strength exercises
- Wear shoes that fit and support your feet
- Watch for uneven ground
- Use a brace or tape if you've sprained the ankle before
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
- They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
- A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.
Back to school, work, or sports
- School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
- Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Children: Children's bones have growth plates that can be injured instead of the ligaments. Have a child's ankle injury checked if they can't walk on it or it's very tender.
- Athletes: Finish rehab exercises before returning to sports, since returning too soon raises the risk of another sprain.
- Older adults: A fall that hurts the ankle may also break a bone; get checked if you can't walk.
Outlook
Most mild sprains heal in 1 to 2 weeks; worse sprains can take weeks to months. Doing balance and strength exercises helps prevent another sprain.
Myths and facts
Myth: If you can walk on it, it isn't broken.
Fact: Some breaks still let you walk. Get an X-ray if you can't take 4 steps or the bone is tender.
Getting ready for your visit
A little preparation helps.
What to bring
- How the injury happened
- Whether you could walk afterward
- Any past ankle injuries
Questions to ask
- Do I need an X-ray?
- How long should I stay off it, and do I need crutches or a brace?
- When can I return to sports?
- Which exercises will help prevent another sprain?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.