Ankle Sprain Treatment Saanichton | Saanichton Chiropractic

Ankle Sprain Treatment in Saanichton

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, and one of the most likely to happen again. Up to a third of people who sprain an ankle go on to have ongoing pain or a “weak” ankle that keeps rolling, usually because the rehab stopped too early. Our athletic therapist and chiropractors get you moving again quickly and rebuild the balance and strength that protect the ankle.

Types of ankle sprain

Lateral ankle sprain: the most common, rolling the foot inward and injuring the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

High ankle sprain: an injury to the ligaments above the ankle joint, often from a twisting force in hockey, soccer or skiing. It usually takes longer to recover.

Recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability: repeated rolling, giving way on uneven ground, or never quite feeling right after an old sprain.

How we treat ankle sprains

Assessment to grade the sprain and rule out a fracture or high ankle sprain.
Early, protected movement: getting walking again as soon as it’s safe, which speeds recovery.
Taping and bracing to support the ankle during recovery and return to sport.
Joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy to restore ankle movement, especially dorsiflexion.
Balance and strength training: the part that prevents the next sprain.
Return-to-sport testing with our athletic therapist, so you go back when the ankle is ready.

Do I need an X-ray?

You may need an X-ray if you couldn’t take four steps right after the injury, or if there’s tenderness over specific spots on the ankle or foot bones. We check these at your assessment and will refer you for imaging if needed. Go to urgent care if the ankle looks deformed or you can’t put any weight on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

Mild sprains often settle in one to three weeks. Moderate sprains take three to six weeks, and high ankle sprains can take six weeks or more. Full strength and balance usually take longer than the pain does to settle.

Should I ice and rest it?

In the first couple of days, elevation, compression and short periods of ice can help with swelling. After that, gentle movement and walking as tolerated are better than strict rest.

Why does my ankle keep rolling?

Usually because balance and strength weren’t fully rebuilt after the first sprain. A few weeks of targeted balance training greatly reduces the chance of another sprain.

More reading: improving ankle mobility, and our sports injury treatment page.