If you’ve recently rolled, twisted, or landed funny on your foot, and now your ankle feels sore, swollen, and maybe even bruised you might have a sprained ankle. It’s one of those injuries that seems minor at first but can take you out for weeks if not handled the right way.
Here’s the good news: you can recover faster and better with the help of physiotherapy for a sprained ankle. In fact, physio doesn’t just help you heal it helps you move better, feel stronger, and lowers your chances of spraining it again in the future.
Let’s break down what happens during a sprain, how physiotherapy can help, and what you can do starting today.
What Actually Happens When You Sprain Your Ankle
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments the bands of tissue that keep your ankle stable get overstretched or torn. This usually happens when the ankle twists suddenly, like during sports or even just a misstep on stairs.
Types of Ankle Sprains
- Grade I (Mild): Slight stretching of the ligaments, with mild pain and swelling.
- Grade II (Moderate): Partial tear in the ligament, more noticeable swelling, pain, and some difficulty walking.
- Grade III (Severe): Full ligament tear, lots of swelling, pain, and instability in the ankle.
Common Symptoms
- Swelling or puffiness around the joint
- Pain when touching or moving the ankle
- Bruising or discoloration
- Trouble standing or walking normally
- A popping sound at the time of injury
Why Physiotherapy is So Important for Healing a Sprained Ankle
Rest Isn’t Always Enough
Yes, you should rest after a sprain—but just resting, icing, and waiting isn’t the full answer. Without proper movement and strengthening, your ankle may heal in a way that leaves it weaker than before. That’s where physiotherapy steps in.
What Physiotherapy Actually Helps With
- Reduces pain and swelling without relying too much on painkillers
- Restores movement so your ankle doesn’t feel stiff or stuck
- Rebuilds strength in the ankle muscles and ligaments
- Improves balance to prevent re-injury
- Helps you return to daily activities or sports more safely
Best Physiotherapy Techniques for a Sprained Ankle
Your physio treatment will depend on how serious the sprain is, but here’s what’s typically included:
Manual Therapy
This involves the physio gently moving your ankle joint and massaging nearby muscles. It helps improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and ease muscle tension.
Therapeutic Exercises
These are simple but powerful moves that help your ankle heal the right way:
- Range of motion drills (like drawing the alphabet with your foot)
- Resistance band exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle
- Balance and stability work to rebuild your body’s sense of position (called proprioception)
Other Helpful Tools
- Cold therapy (ice packs) to bring down swelling
- TENS or electrical stimulation to reduce pain
- Taping or bracing to support your ankle as it heals
What You Can Do at Home While Healing
Physiotherapy isn’t limited to the clinic. There’s a lot you can do at home to support your recovery.
Do This:
- Elevate your ankle above heart level when resting
- Apply compression wraps to reduce swelling
- Do light movements as advised by your physiotherapist to keep the joint from getting stiff
Avoid This:
- Don’t walk on it too early unless your physio says it’s safe
- Don’t skip exercises, especially once you feel “okay”
- Don’t ignore lingering pain, it might be a sign something’s not right
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
If your ankle still hurts after a few days, or if walking is painful and awkward, it’s a good idea to get it checked.
Here are some signs you should book a physiotherapy session:
- You can’t put full weight on your ankle
- Swelling isn’t going away
- You’ve had more than one sprain in the past
- Your ankle feels “loose” or unstable
- Pain keeps coming back after short walks or light activity
How Long Does It Take to Heal a Sprained Ankle With Physiotherapy?
This depends on the sprain:
- Mild sprains (Grade I) usually heal in 1–2 weeks
- Moderate sprains (Grade II) may take 3–4 weeks
- Severe sprains (Grade III) can take up to 6 weeks or longer
But here’s the thing: how fast you heal isn’t just about time. It’s about consistency. Following a good physiotherapy plan and sticking to it can make all the difference.
Don’t Let a Sprain Turn Into a Long-Term Problem
A sprained ankle may seem like a small thing, but if it’s not treated the right way, it can cause months of discomfort, limit your movement, or lead to more injuries down the line.
If you’re near Magarpatta, consider seeing Dr. Ranjeet Ghatge. His physiotherapy treatments have helped many people recover from ankle injuries safely and confidently.
If your ankle still feels sore, weak, or unstable, don’t wait.
Reach out to Dr. Ranjeet Ghatge for physiotherapy treatment in Magarpatta and take the first step toward full recovery. Get back to moving without pain stronger and more confident than before.
FAQs
Q1: Can I walk on a sprained ankle?
That depends on how bad it is. If it’s a mild sprain, light walking might be okay after a few days. But for moderate or severe sprains, walking too soon can slow healing or make it worse.
Q2: When should I start physiotherapy?
Usually, within 2–3 days after the injury. Your physio will guide you on safe movements and when to begin strengthening.
Q3: Do I need an X-ray for a sprained ankle?
Not always. If you can’t put any weight on your foot or there’s intense pain around the bones, a doctor might recommend an X-ray to rule out fractures.