Ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries. It usually happens when you roll your foot inwards, for example, when landing on someone’s foot or stepping off a kerb. Good rehabilitation lowers the risk of spraining it again.
Common causes
- Rolling the ankle during football, basketball, volleyball, or running.
- Missing a step or stumbling on uneven ground.
- A sprain injury that has not been fully rehabilitated may result in a less stable ankle in the future.
What you can do yourself
- In the first days: protect the ankle, raise it when resting, and cool it for short periods if that helps.
- Start walking again as soon as pain allows; early, careful movement helps recovery.
- Do balance exercises, for example standing on one leg, once walking is comfortable.
- Return to sport gradually, not before you can hop and change direction without pain.
How we can help
We first check with you whether our student learning clinic suits your complaint, or whether another healthcare professional is a better fit. If our clinic is right for you, a student assesses your complaint under supervision. Within a maximum of three appointments, you receive:
- Assessment of how badly the ligaments are affected and how stable the ankle is.
- Exercises for balance, strength and coordination to prevent a new sprain.
- Step-by-step return to your sport, including sport-specific exercises.
Need longer treatment? We help you find a regular physiotherapist.
When to see a doctor first
See a GP or go to the emergency department if you could not take four steps right after the injury, if there is pain when pressing on the bone, or if the foot looks deformed.
Read more in our frequently asked questions, or see other injuries and conditions we treat.
Sprained your ankle? Book an appointment for €5.
Book an appointment