Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
🚨Emergency? If you have severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or think it's an emergency, call 000 immediately.
Ankle Sprains (Rolled Ankle)
Ankle sprains (rolling your ankle) are the most common sports injury, occurring when you roll your foot inward causing the outer (lateral) ankle ligaments to stretch or tear - most ankle sprains are mild (Grade 1 stretching) or moderate (Grade 2 partial tear) healing fully in 2-6 weeks with RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and physiotherapy, though 10-20% develop chronic ankle instability (repeated sprains, giving way) requiring ligament reconstruction surgery if physiotherapy fails
📖What is Ankle Sprains (Rolled Ankle)?
Ankle sprains (rolling your ankle) are the most common sports injury, occurring when you roll your foot inward causing the outer (lateral) ankle ligaments to stretch or tear - most ankle sprains are mild (Grade 1 stretching) or moderate (Grade 2 partial tear) healing fully in 2-6 weeks with RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and physiotherapy, though 10-20% develop chronic ankle instability (repeated sprains, giving way) requiring ligament reconstruction surgery if physiotherapy fails
🔬What Causes It?
- Rolling ankle inward during sports (basketball, netball, football most common)
- Stepping on uneven surface (stepping off curb, hiking on rocks)
- Landing awkwardly from jump
- Sudden change of direction while running
⚠️Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Previous ankle sprain (5x higher risk of re-spraining same ankle)
- Sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting (basketball, netball, volleyball)
- Poor ankle muscle strength or balance
- Not warming up before exercise
- Wearing inappropriate footwear (high heels, unsupportive shoes)
🛡️Prevention
- ✓Ankle strengthening and balance exercises (calf raises, single-leg stands)
- ✓Proper warm-up before sports
- ✓Wear ankle brace or tape during high-risk sports if previous sprain
- ✓Appropriate footwear (avoid high heels, wear supportive athletic shoes)
- ✓Be cautious on uneven surfaces