Ankle sprain. Information for patients who do not need a follow up appointment. 

Download and print as a PDF (636kB pdf)

What is this information about?

This information is about ankle sprain. 

It tells you: 

• How to look after yourself when you go home from hospital with an ankle sprain. 
• What exercises you can do to help heal and strengthen your ankle. 
• Who to contact if you need further help and support. 

What is an ankle sprain?

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ankle. It normally happens when you roll your foot inwards or outwards more than your normal movement. This is often an injury to the ligaments that support the ankle joint.

How long is it likely to take for my injury to heal?

It usually takes around six weeks for an ankle sprain to heal.

Will smoking or vaping slow down my healing?

Yes. Smoking slows healing so if you smoke or vape try to stop or cut down. This is most important in the first two weeks after your injury. If you would like help to stop smoking talk to your GP or visit Quit smoking – NHS for further information.

What should I do if I am in pain after my ankle sprain?

You may have ankle pain after your injury. If you are in pain, take your usual pain killers or pain killers given to you in the emergency department. Follow the dose instructions on the packet. If you are struggling with pain do speak to your GP or pharmacist.

What should I do if I have a swollen ankle after my ankle sprain?

You may have ankle pain and swelling for 3-6 months after your injury. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day. To reduce swelling: 

• Apply a cold pack to injury site. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your ankle for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin. 
• Try to rest your ankle, especially in the first 24 to 72 hours (one to three days). Raise your ankle on a stool or cushions so that it is above the level of your hip.

Can I walk after my ankle sprain?

Yes. You can walk on the foot as much as is comfortable. You may find crutches useful to help take some of the load off in the early stage.  

If you have been given a boot, this is for your comfort only. Take it off when you are not walking. You can start to use your normal shoes as soon as you feel comfortable. You should stop using the boot two weeks after your injury.

Will I have further (follow up) appointments?

No. We do not routinely follow up patients with this type of injury. If after 6 weeks you are:

• Still experiencing significant pain and swelling, or
• Struggling to wean out of (stop using) the boot

Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic for further advice.

What should I do in the first and second week after my injury?

• Rest your ankle elevated (raised) for the first 24 to 72 hours (one to three days). This will help to reduce your swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your ankle for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.
• Keep moving around and walk on the foot as much as is comfortable. If we have given you a boot or rigid sole shoe for comfort, wear it when you are walking. Take it off at night or when you are resting.
•  Wear a long sock in your boot. Try to stop using the boot as soon as you can. Start around your house first, then try outside.
• Start provided exercises as soon as possible. Early movement of the foot and ankle stimulates circulation and reduces the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT or blood clot).
• Do these exercises about five times a day. Start straight away, working within your pain levels.

Exercises

Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction. Repeat this 10 times.

What should I do from week two to week five after my injury?

• Try to wear you boot or rigid shoe less each day until you no longer need to wear it at all after 2 weeks. It is usual to still have mild discomfort and swelling at this stage.This may continue for 3 to 6 months.
• Aim to move on todoing gentle stretching exercises as shown below.
• Slowly increase your day-to-day activity level.

Exercises

What should I do from week six after my injury?

It is usual to still have mild discomfort and swelling.This may continue for 3 to 6 months. Your fracture should be healed by this time.  Aim to practice balance exercise as shown below:

Level 1: These exercises are for people who could not stand on one leg before their injury.

1. Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm support in safe space. Hold your balance for 30 seconds
2. Now try removing your hand. Try to keep your balance for 30 seconds.
3. Hold onto a firm support. Put one foot in front of the other, as close together as you can. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you can, try to let go of the support and keep your balance

Level 2: These exercises are for people who could stand on one leg before their injury.

1. Hold onto a firm surface in a safe space.  Try to stand on one leg. Hold this for 30 seconds. Stop if you experience pain. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise.
2. Try to stand on one leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise.
3. You can try these exercises with your eyes closed. Make sure you are always in a safe environment with a support to hold if needed.

What do I do if I am struggling with my boot or my rigid sole shoe?

The boot and shoe have a thicker sole. This can make you feel uneven. Make sure you wear a supportive shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot. This will reduce stress on other joints.

If you need more advice, contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

What should I do if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes there is a greater chance that pressure on your skin over a long period could cause skin ulcers. Wearing a boot or rigid sole shoe could cause pressure on your skin.

We can give you advice or arrange for your foot to be checked in the plaster room if you need that.

When should I contact Virtual Fracture Clinic?

Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you:

• Are concerned about your symptoms, especially 6 weeks after your injury.
• Are struggling to return to exercise or your usual activities 6 to 8 weeks after your injury.
• Would like further information or support after you have read this information.

When can I start driving?

You can return to driving when:

• You are no longer using your boot or rigid sole shoe.
• You can walk comfortably.
• You can safely deal with all emergency situations without being in pain or hesitating. For example, you must be able to stop the car quickly and in full control and safely avoid obstacles.
• You are covered by your insurance company.

How can I get a note for work?

Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

What should I do if I am struggling to return to my sport?

Please contact us. We can discuss this further with you or refer you on for Outpatient Physiotherapy.

What do I do with my ankle boot, rigid sole shoe, and crutches when I no longer need them?

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic?