Introduction
This information leaflet should provide most of the information you about your Ankle Sprain. Most people can go home safely without needing further fracture clinic visits. If you have concerns or need another appointment, call the fracture clinic using the contact numbers at the end of the leaflet.
What is it?
Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. Sometimes, a small piece of bone is pulled away with the ligament (called an avulsion fracture). These are treated in the same way as a sprain. The symptoms often include significant bruising, swelling and pain.
How is the diagnosis made?
Your ankle is likely to be bruised, swollen and painful. Clinical examination often reveals some tenderness around the joint. Sometimes your clinician may request an X-Ray to ensure there are no fractures or dislocations around the ankle or foot, but these are not always necessary.
How is it treated?
You can use simple over the counter analgesia such as paracetamol. In the first 48 hours you can also use the RICE treatment to reduce pain and swelling:
- Rest: You can walk as pain allows but a period of rest is helpful
- Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Don’t apply the ice directly to the skin. Place the ice in a plastic bag and wrap in a towel
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage, such as Tubigrip, if you have any
- Elevation: When sitting or lying keep the leg raised on a pillow to reduce swelling.
A cast is usually unnecessary. For pain relief and mobility, we may offer a walker boot, but this is rarely needed. An elastic bandage like Tubigrip is often more effective, as it lets you move your ankle freely and prevents stiffness.
You should wear flat supportive shoes or boots and avoid any high heeled or non-supportive footwear. It is important to continue moving the ankle regularly to promote blood circulation and prevent a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
How long will it take to recover?
Healing times vary depending on the severity of the sprain, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Sometimes the swelling can continue for up to 12 months following the injury. A tubular elastic bandage can help improve this swelling. Some people may experience ongoing ankle instability and may need surgery, but this is relatively uncommon.
Do exercises and physiotherapy help?
Yes. In most cases after an initial period of RICE you can start some exercises to aid with the range of movement and strengthening the ankle. Please see the physiotherapy exercises at the end of this leaflet for more information on how to exercise your ankle.
You may be referred to see a Physiotherapist from the ED following this type of injury, but it is not normally required, and the ankle movement will return to normal with time. Occasionally some people will experience persistent instability of the ankle and may need to be referred to a specialist.
You may be given a Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) appointment to allow you to be seen by a specialist if you are concerned about persistent symptoms such as pain or instability.
When can I return to work and activity?
Returning to normal activity and sports should be a gradual process, guided by the recovery of ankle stability and strength.
Driving
You must not drive while wearing a boot or ankle sprint if you are given one.
The ability to drive will depend on the extent of the injury and the speed of recovery. You can start driving again once you have regained the strength and mobility in your ankle once you can control the vehicle safely without pain including performing an emergency stop.
You may have to inform your insurance company to let them know about the injury and that you are planning on returning to driving.
Work
- Desk jobs: Once you can sit comfortably.
- Physical jobs: Once your pain is improved and your ankle is stronger, and you can perform the normal tasks that your job requires with minimal pain and fatigue
- Physical activity and sports: You might want to start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase as tolerated. Avoid sports that require twisting or sudden changes in direction until your ankle feels stronger. Activities such as swimming may be resumed more quickly when you feel comfortable.
Do I need follow-up?
Most ankle sprains do not need follow-up. You can often self-manage at home with RICE and then do the exercises once you are more comfortable.
Exercises
Start these exercises gently and gradually and build up as pain allows. You should aim to do these exercises 3 to 4 times per day.
Ankle Pumps: Sit or lie down with your leg straight. Move your foot up and down slowly. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Ankle Circles: Sit or lie down with your leg elevated. Rotate your foot in circular motions. Complete 10 circles in each direction.
Towel Stretch: Sit with your leg extended. Wrap a towel around the ball of your foot. Gently pull the towel towards you for a stretch. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Heel Raises: Stand with support from a chair or wall. Slowly rise onto your toes and lower back down. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall with your hands on it. Step back with the injured leg, keeping it straight. Press your heel down and hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Balancing: Stand on the injured leg and try to balance as long as possible. You may need to hold onto something to begin with until you regain full control of the ankle. Try to hold your balance for 30 seconds.
Contact
If you have any queries or concerns then please contact the hospital for further advice.
Between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm contact the fracture clinic on:
Scunthorpe: 03033 302164
Grimsby: 03033 306127
Goole: 03033 304036
Out of hours – then please contact the Emergency Department via switchboard:
Scunthorpe/Goole: 01724 282282
Grimsby: 01472 874111
Any comments, compliments, concerns or complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
NHS Website
NHS website is a health information service. The aim is to support the public to become active consumers of healthcare rather than passive recipients, and to help individuals, their family or carers to make more informed choices: https://www.nhs.uk/
Review information
Date of Issue: December 2025
Review period: December 2027