Ankle Sprains — Why Early Rehab Matters

An ankle sprain may seem like a minor injury, but without prompt and appropriate care, it can

lead to chronic ankle instability, recurrent sprains, and long-term deficits in balance,

proprioception, and function.

At our Calgary physiotherapy clinic on MacLeod Trail, we provide individualized, hands-on

rehabilitation for acute and chronic ankle sprains to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and

return to your activities with confidence.

What Happens When You Sprain an Ankle?

Most ankle sprains involve injury to the lateral ligament complex, especially the anterior

talofibular ligament (ATFL), typically caused by an inversion mechanism.

Common causes include:

• Twisting your ankle during sports, walking, or hiking

• Tripping on uneven surfaces or curbs

• Wearing unsupportive footwear

• Weak ankle stabilizers and poor balance

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

• Sharp or aching pain on the outer ankle

• Immediate swelling or bruising

• Difficulty weight-bearing or walking

• A “wobbly” or unstable feeling in the joint

Sprains are classified into three grades:

• Grade I: Mild stretching, minimal swelling

• Grade II: Partial ligament tear, moderate swelling, limited motion

• Grade III: Complete ligament rupture, significant instability

Why Early Rehab Is Critical

Delaying rehab increases the risk of:

• Chronic ankle instability (estimated in up to 40% of cases — Delahunt et al., 2018)

• Decreased neuromuscular control and joint position awareness (Hertel, 2002)

• Functional deficits like difficulty running, cutting, or changing direction

• Recurrent sprains and long-term cartilage degeneration (Gribble et al., 2016)

Our Evidence-Based Rehab Approach for Ankle Sprains

1. Accurate Diagnosis & Severity Grading

We assess for fracture risk (Ottawa Ankle Rules), ligament damage, high ankle sprain

(syndesmosis), or other red flags requiring imaging or referral.

2. Inflammation & Pain Control (Phase 1)

R.I.C.E protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Manual therapy for swelling control (e.g., lymphatic drainage)

Gentle active ROM (e.g., alphabet exercises)

3. Restoring Mobility & Strength (Phase 2)

• Dorsiflexion and ankle mobility drills

• Isometric and isotonic strengthening for calf, peroneals, tibialis posterior

• Proximal muscle retraining (glutes, hamstrings, core)

4. Balance, Proprioception & Neuromuscular Training (Phase 3)

• Single-leg stance progression

• Balance pad, BOSU ball, and perturbation exercises

• Dynamic control drills for sport or daily life

5. Sport-Specific & Functional Rehab (Phase 4)

Return-to-play assessments

Plyometrics, agility drills, cutting and pivoting prep

Bracing or taping if needed

Expected Recovery Timelines

• Grade I: 1–2 weeks with active care

• Grade II: 3–6 weeks depending on severity and rehab adherence

• Grade III: 6–12+ weeks with structured physiotherapy

Ankle Physiotherapy in South Calgary

Located at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, we proudly serve Haysboro, Kingsland, Acadia,

Fairview, and surrounding South Calgary communities. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend

hiker, or someone who simply stepped off a curb the wrong way, our team can guide your full

recovery.

Book Your Ankle Assessment Today

Avoid the cycle of repeated ankle sprains. Get a personalized physiotherapy plan and regain your

strength, balance, and mobility—so you can move without fear.

References

 Delahunt E, et al. (2018). Clinical guidelines for the prevention of recurrent lateral ankle

sprains. Br J Sports Med.

 Hertel J. (2002). Functional instability following lateral ankle sprain. Sports Med.

 Gribble PA, et al. (2016). Rehabilitation of ankle instability. J Athl Train.