Lateral ankle sprain

A lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries, happening when the ankle rolls inward and stretches or tears the ligaments on the outer side. It causes pain, swelling, and sometimes a feeling of instability — and without full rehab, repeat sprains are common.

Physiotherapy helps you recover completely by restoring strength, balance, and control, not just settling the swelling. In this guide we cover grading, rehabilitation, and return-to-sport criteria after lateral ankle sprain — practical guidance for clinicians and clear, progressive exercises so patients rebuild a stable, confident ankle and lower the risk of doing it again.