Illnesses & Conditions
Information on diseases and health concerns, including symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.

Sprained ankle: Rehabilitation exercises

Introduction

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can result in lifelong problems. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

Key points

Rehabilitation exercises are critical to ensure that the ankle heals completely and reinjury does not occur.

• You can begin healing by walking or bearing some weight while using crutches if you can do so without too much pain.
• Start rehabilitation with range-of-motion exercises in the first 72 hours after your injury. Continue with further rehabilitation, including stretching, strength training, and balance exercises, over the next several weeks to months.
• You can do rehabilitation exercises at home or even at the office to strengthen your ankle.

 What is an ankle sprain?
 Why is rehabilitation important for an ankle sprain?
 How to do rehabilitation exercises for an ankle sprain
 Where can I learn more about rehabilitation exercises for my sprained ankle?

If you would like more information on rehabilitation exercises for an ankle sprain, the following resources are available:

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