Ankle injuries
After an ankle sprain: returning to activity
What to notice after an ankle injury and why returning to walking, running and sport needs more than waiting for the pain to ease.
First understand the injury
A twisted ankle may involve a sprain, but pain and swelling alone cannot rule out a more serious injury. Get medical assessment if the injury is severe, you cannot put weight on it, or symptoms are worsening.
A changed shape, numbness, or skin that feels cold after an injury needs urgent attention. Do not use an online exercise routine to work around these symptoms.
Avoid using a calendar as the only test
Different injuries recover at different rates. Feeling less pain is useful information, but it does not answer every question about returning to activity. Explain whether the ankle feels stable during walking, stairs or changes of direction.
Your usual activity matters too. A short walk, a long working day on your feet and a game involving running and turning put different demands on the ankle. Tell your clinician which one you are preparing for.
Ask how to progress your activity
As symptoms allow, a rehabilitation plan may work on movement, strength and the activities you need to regain. Ask what to practise now, how to increase the challenge and which symptoms mean you should pause and seek advice.
Bring details of previous ankle injuries and any treatment or imaging already completed. If a particular movement keeps causing symptoms, describe it rather than repeatedly testing it at full speed.
Use review appointments to make decisions
A review should help answer a practical question: what activity is suitable next, and what still needs work? Keep track of swelling, discomfort and confidence during the activities agreed with your clinician.
Dr. Vandana Chauhan’s listed services include sports physiotherapy and care for ligament injuries. An individual assessment can help decide whether physiotherapy or another medical assessment is the appropriate next step.