Ankle & Foot in 24: Achilles tendinopathy

Despite how common ankle sprains are, a substantial proportion of people report ongoing instability or recurrent sprains if the initial injury is not adequately rehabilitated, which is part of why structured recovery is emphasized even for seemingly minor injuries. This page covers the region's anatomy, common conditions, assessment approaches, and general exercise and recovery patterns.

What is the most common type of ankle sprain? The large majority of ankle sprains are inversion injuries affecting the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, most often the anterior talofibular ligament. How long does a typical ankle sprain take to heal? Mild sprains often improve substantially within two to three weeks, while moderate to severe sprains can take four to eight weeks or longer for a full return to sport-level activity.

Clinical decision rules such as the Ottawa ankle rules help determine when an X-ray is needed, generally reserving imaging for cases with specific bony tenderness or an inability to bear weight. Chronic ankle instability describes a persistent tendency for the ankle to give way or feel unstable, often following an inadequately rehabilitated sprain, and is associated with a higher risk of repeat sprains.