Ankle Sprain & Ankle Pain
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle is twisted, rolled or forced beyond its normal range of movement. This can overstretch or tear one or more of the ligaments that help stabilise the ankle.
An ankle sprain can happen during sport and exercise, but it can also occur during everyday activities, such as stepping awkwardly off a kerb or walking on uneven ground.
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness around the ankle. More significant sprains may make it difficult to put weight through the foot or walk normally.
At MK Orthotics in Milton Keynes, we can assess the foot and lower limb when an ankle injury is causing ongoing problems, particularly where there is persistent instability, altered walking or repeated ankle sprains.
What is an ankle sprain?
The ankle is supported by several strong ligaments that help keep the bones of the ankle and foot stable.
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of these ligaments are overstretched or torn.
The most common type occurs when the foot rolls inwards while the ankle moves outwards, placing stress on the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
An ankle sprain can range from a relatively minor injury to a more significant ligament injury.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain
Common symptoms include:
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Pain around the ankle
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Tenderness around the injured ligament
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Difficulty walking
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Difficulty putting weight through the foot
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Reduced ankle movement
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A feeling of weakness or instability
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury.
If you have severe pain, cannot walk, the ankle looks deformed or you heard a snap, grinding or popping sound at the time of injury, you should seek appropriate medical assessment because a fracture or more significant injury may need to be ruled out.
What causes an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain can happen when the foot and ankle are suddenly forced into a position that places excessive stress on the ligaments.
Common situations include:
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Landing awkwardly after a jump
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Changing direction quickly during sport
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Running on uneven ground
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Stepping off a kerb
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Walking on an uneven surface
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Tripping or falling
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Another person landing on or colliding with your foot during sport
Previous ankle injuries can also be relevant. If an ankle has not fully recovered, you may continue to experience weakness, reduced movement or a feeling of instability.
What happens after an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain does not necessarily stop being relevant once the initial swelling and bruising have settled.
Some people recover without ongoing problems. Others may experience:
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Persistent ankle pain
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Reduced ankle movement
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Weakness
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Reduced confidence when walking or exercising
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A feeling that the ankle is going to give way
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Repeated ankle sprains
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Difficulty returning to sport
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Changes in the way they walk or run
If you continue to have problems after an ankle sprain, it is worth looking at how the whole foot and lower limb are functioning rather than focusing only on the original injury.
Recurrent ankle sprains and ankle instability
If you have sprained the same ankle several times, you may feel that it is less stable than it used to be.
You might notice that your ankle:
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Gives way unexpectedly
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Feels unstable on uneven ground
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Feels weak during sport
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Is difficult to trust when changing direction
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Becomes painful after prolonged activity
Recurrent sprains can become frustrating, particularly if they prevent you from returning to activities that you enjoy.
A detailed assessment can help identify whether factors such as ankle movement, foot position, muscle strength, balance, footwear or the way you move may be contributing to the problem.
How can foot mechanics affect an ankle sprain?
The position and movement of your foot can influence how forces are transferred through the ankle and lower limb.
Factors such as:
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Foot posture
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Ankle range of movement
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Foot and ankle strength
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Lower-limb alignment
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Balance and proprioception
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Previous injuries
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Walking and running mechanics
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Footwear
may all be relevant when considering ongoing ankle problems.
This does not mean that a particular foot shape automatically causes ankle sprains.
Instead, the aim of assessment is to understand how your individual feet and lower limbs function and whether particular movement patterns may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can orthotics help after an ankle sprain?
Orthotics may be appropriate for some people following an ankle injury, but they are not automatically required after an ankle sprain.
Where appropriate, an orthotic may help influence how the foot interacts with the ground and how forces are distributed during standing and walking.
For someone with ongoing ankle instability, the design of any orthotic would need to take into account their individual foot shape, movement, symptoms and footwear.
Orthotics should not be considered a replacement for appropriate ankle rehabilitation.
Exercise, strengthening, balance work and restoration of ankle movement may all be important parts of recovery, depending on the injury and individual circumstances. NHS and NICE guidance emphasise tailored rehabilitation and progressive restoration of movement and function after traumatic injuries.
At MK Orthotics, we will only recommend an orthotic where we believe it may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Ankle braces and supports
Some people may benefit from an ankle brace or other form of support, particularly where additional stability is required during activity.
The most appropriate support depends on:
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The type and severity of your injury
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How much movement you need
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Whether the ankle is stable or unstable
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Your activity levels
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The type of footwear you use
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Whether you are returning to sport
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Any previous ankle injuries
MK Orthotics provides a range of ankle braces and orthotic devices, including bespoke solutions where appropriate.
The aim is to choose a solution that suits your individual requirements rather than assuming that the same support is suitable for everyone.
Ankle sprains and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovering from an ankle sprain.
Depending on the injury, rehabilitation may involve gradually restoring:
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Ankle movement
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Strength
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Balance
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Proprioception
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Walking ability
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Confidence with movement
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Sport-specific movements
NHS guidance recommends keeping the affected area moving once pain allows, while rehabilitation guidance supports tailored exercise programmes that can include strengthening, balance, proprioception and progressive return to activity.
If your ankle is not recovering as expected, or you continue to experience pain or instability, you should seek appropriate healthcare advice.
Returning to running and sport
Returning to running or sport too quickly after an ankle sprain can be difficult if strength, movement and confidence have not returned.
Your return should be progressive and appropriate to the severity of the injury and your individual activity.
If you continue to experience problems when running, changing direction or landing after a jump, a detailed assessment may help identify factors that could be contributing to the problem.
At MK Orthotics, video gait analysis can be used where appropriate to look at your walking or running mechanics.
Your ankle assessment at MK Orthotics
Your initial consultation at MK Orthotics lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes video gait analysis where appropriate.
The assessment may include:
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Discussion of your injury and symptoms
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Your previous ankle injuries
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Your normal activities and exercise
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Your footwear
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Ankle and foot range of movement
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Muscle strength and function
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Foot posture
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Lower-limb alignment
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Balance and functional movement
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Walking mechanics
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Running mechanics where relevant
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Video gait analysis
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Any existing orthotics or ankle supports
The assessment is patient-specific, so exactly what is included will depend on your injury, symptoms, stage of recovery and goals.
This approach is consistent with how MK Orthotics describes its biomechanical assessment: looking at the injured structures, movement patterns and whether these may be contributing to increased stress or load.
What if I have already tried an ankle support or orthotics?
If you have previously used an ankle brace, insoles or orthotics and they have not helped, bring them with you to your appointment.
It can be useful to look at what you have previously been prescribed and consider how it interacts with your foot, ankle and footwear.
MK Orthotics also assesses existing orthotics where appropriate and may consider alternative approaches if an orthotic is not the most suitable option.
When should ankle pain be assessed?
Consider seeking further assessment if:
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Your ankle pain is not improving
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Pain keeps returning
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Your ankle repeatedly gives way
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You have had several ankle sprains
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You are struggling to return to normal activities
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You cannot return to your usual sport
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Your walking pattern has changed
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You have ongoing swelling or stiffness
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You are concerned about persistent instability
If you have severe pain, cannot walk, or your ankle has changed shape, seek urgent medical assessment rather than relying on an orthotic assessment.
Why choose MK Orthotics?
At MK Orthotics, we take an individual approach to foot and lower-limb problems.
We don't prescribe orthotics simply because someone has had an ankle sprain.
Instead, we assess how your feet and lower limbs are functioning and whether your movement patterns may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Our clinic is based in Blakelands, Milton Keynes, and we work with people experiencing a wide range of foot and lower-limb problems.
Related conditions
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Book an ankle assessment in Milton Keynes
If you have ongoing ankle pain, instability or repeated ankle sprains, a detailed assessment may help identify whether your foot and lower-limb mechanics are contributing to the problem.
MK Orthotics is based in Blakelands, Milton Keynes.
Your initial consultation lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes video gait analysis where appropriate.