Sprain, strain or another injury?
An ankle sprain involves a ligament, while a strain affects muscle or tendon. An injury can also involve bone or other structures. Pain, bruising and swelling after a twist are common, but they do not rule out a fracture. Persistent foot pain without a clear accident also deserves assessment.
What an assessment may involve
Explain how the injury happened, whether you could walk immediately afterwards, and any previous sprains. The clinician may examine movement, strength, balance and walking when appropriate. Suspected fracture or significant tendon injury needs medical investigation before routine rehabilitation.
Care and rehabilitation
After appropriate assessment, care may progress from manageable daily movement to strength, balance and sport-specific tasks. Return to activity depends on the injury and response, not simply the number of days since the sprain. Very recent injuries may need protection; aggressive massage or stretching is not automatically appropriate.
Returning to running or court sport
Walking comfortably is different from tolerating repeated jumping, changing direction or landing. Discuss each demand with your clinician and agree on staged goals. If the ankle repeatedly gives way or swelling persists, arrange a review.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent assessment for inability to bear weight, severe or worsening pain, major swelling, deformity, an open wound, numbness, or a cold or discoloured foot after injury.
Related information
Further reading
General information from Muscle Joint Bone Epping. Your clinician will discuss how it applies to you.