Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains occur when ligaments stretch or tear during twisting movements, managed with bracing and rehab at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry.

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting or rolling motions. Ligaments are strong connective tissues that stabilise your ankle by connecting bones together. When overstretched, they can become damaged—resulting in pain, swelling, and instability.

Ankle sprains typically affect the lateral (outer) part of the ankle but can also involve the medial (inner) or high ankle ligaments depending on the mechanism of injury.

Types of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are classified by severity:

  • Grade 1 (Mild): Slight stretching and microscopic tearing of ligament fibres

  • Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tear of the ligament, moderate pain and swelling

  • Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear of the ligament, significant swelling, bruising, and joint instability

Common Causes of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains can happen to anyone—not just athletes. Some common causes include:

  • Missteps on uneven surfaces

  • Sudden changes in direction during sports

  • Wearing unstable or unsupportive footwear

  • Previous ankle injuries leading to instability

  • Weak ankle muscles or poor balance

  • Landing awkwardly from a jump

Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain

If you’ve sprained your ankle, you may experience:

  • Sharp pain in the ankle, especially on the outside

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight

  • Tenderness to touch

  • A popping sensation at the time of injury

  • Instability or a “wobbly” feeling when walking

These symptoms can overlap with fractures or tendon injuries, so accurate diagnosis is important.

How We Diagnose an Ankle Sprain

At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, your podiatrist will begin with:

  • A comprehensive injury history

  • A physical examination assessing swelling, ligament tenderness, range of motion, and joint stability

  • Functional tests to determine the severity of the injury

If a more serious injury (e.g. fracture or tendon tear) is suspected, we may refer you for X-rays or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out complications.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

Your personalised treatment plan will depend on the severity, location, and cause of your sprain. Our goal is not only to reduce pain and swelling, but to restore function and prevent recurrence.

Initial Care:

  • RICE Protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce pain and inflammation

  • Anti-inflammatory medication if needed (upon doctor approval)

  • Immobilisation with strapping, ankle brace, or moon boot (for moderate to severe sprains)

Rehabilitation Phase:

  • Strengthening and proprioception exercises to restore joint stability

  • Custom foot orthotics to address foot mechanics that may contribute to poor ankle control or instability

  • Gait retraining and footwear advice

As podiatrists, we also assess if abnormal foot biomechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, are contributing to ongoing ankle problems.

What Happens If You Ignore an Ankle Sprain?

Without proper treatment, a simple ankle sprain can lead to:

  • Chronic ankle instability

  • Recurrent sprains

  • Persistent swelling and pain

  • Cartilage damage or arthritis

  • Decreased performance in sports or physical activity

The good news is: early diagnosis and guided rehab leads to better outcomes and a faster return to full activity.

Prevention Tips

While not all ankle sprains are avoidable, there are things you can do to reduce your risk:

  • Strengthen ankle and leg muscles with targeted exercises

  • Improve balance and proprioception

  • Wear supportive, properly fitted footwear

  • Use orthotics if you have biomechanical issues

  • Tape or brace your ankle during high-risk sports if you’ve had past sprains

  • Avoid training on uneven or slippery surfaces when possible

Why Choose KL Foot Specialist Podiatry?

Our clinic is experienced in diagnosing and managing ankle injuries across all age groups—from athletes to everyday walkers. We use evidence-based treatment, hands-on therapy, rehabilitation plans, and modern podiatry techniques to deliver the best outcomes for your recovery.

Book Your Ankle Injury Assessment Today

If you’ve rolled your ankle, don’t ignore the signs. Prompt care makes all the difference. Book your consultation today with our friendly and experienced podiatrists in Kuala Lumpur.