Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is one of the most common orthopedic injuries. It occurs when the ligaments, tough bands of tissue that connect bone to bone, are stretched or torn, usually from twisting, rolling, or turning the ankle in an awkward way.

While mild ankle sprains may heal with rest and self-care, moderate to severe sprains can cause lasting pain, instability, or repeated injuries without proper treatment.

At Iowa Ortho, our sports medicine and foot & ankle specialists provide expert care for ankle sprains to help patients return to daily activities and sports safely.

Causes of ankle sprains

Ankle sprains often result from:

• Sports injuries (especially basketball, soccer, football, or running)
• Uneven walking surfaces or tripping hazards
• Falls that twist the ankle
• Improper footwear that doesn’t support the ankle
• Previous ankle injuries that weaken the ligaments

Symptoms of an ankle sprain

Signs you may have sprained your ankle include:

• Sudden pain after twisting or rolling the ankle
• Swelling and bruising around the joint
• Tenderness to the touch
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A feeling of instability or “giving way”

Types of ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are classified by severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild): Slight stretching or microscopic tearing of ligaments; mild tenderness and swelling.
• Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial ligament tear; moderate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
• Grade 3 (Severe): Complete ligament tear; severe pain, significant swelling, and ankle instability.

Treatment for ankle sprains

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain:

Non-surgical treatment

Most ankle sprains heal without surgery using the R.I.C.E. method:

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or instability.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage or brace for support.
• Elevation: Keep the ankle raised above heart level to reduce swelling.

Other options may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication
• Physical therapy to restore strength, balance, and flexibility
• Bracing or taping to protect the ankle during recovery

Surgical treatment

Surgery is rarely needed for ankle sprains, but may be recommended if:

• There is a complete ligament tear
• Chronic ankle instability develops
• Other ankle injuries (such as fractures or tendon tears) are present

Surgical options focus on repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligaments.

Recovery & outlook

• Mild sprains may heal within 1–2 weeks with rest and proper care.
• Moderate sprains typically require 4–6 weeks of rehabilitation.
• Severe sprains may take several months to fully recover.

Physical therapy plays a critical role in preventing future sprains by improving balance, strength, and joint stability.

Why choose Iowa Ortho for ankle sprains?

• Specialists in foot, ankle, and sports-related injuries
• On-site imaging for fast and accurate diagnosis
• Personalized treatment plans for athletes and active individuals
• Comprehensive care from initial injury through full recovery

Schedule an appointment

If you’ve recently injured your ankle or are dealing with chronic ankle instability, Iowa Ortho’s specialists are here to help.

Call Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online today.