Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
Sprained Ankle – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley
Key Points
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments around the ankle are stretched or torn, usually from twisting or rolling the ankle.
It’s one of the most common sports injuries, affecting runners, footballers, tennis players, and anyone active.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty weight-bearing.
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and tailored rehabilitation to restore stability and prevent long-term ankle weakness.
What is a Sprained Ankle?
The ankle is supported by ligaments that connect bone to bone and provide stability.
When the ankle rolls or twists, these ligaments can overstretch or tear, leading to pain and swelling.
Most sprains affect the lateral ligaments (outside of the ankle), but severe injuries can involve multiple ligaments.
Sprains are graded:
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Grade 1: Mild stretching, slight swelling, quick recovery
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Grade 2: Partial tear, moderate swelling, bruising, instability
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Grade 3: Complete tear, severe swelling, difficulty walking, long recovery
Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle
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Pain on the inside or outside of the ankle
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Swelling and bruising around the joint
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Difficulty bearing weight or walking
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Stiffness and reduced range of motion
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Instability or “giving way” feeling
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Tenderness over the injured ligaments
Causes & Risk Factors
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Sports involving sudden changes of direction (football, basketball, tennis)
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Running or walking on uneven ground
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Previous ankle sprains (increased recurrence risk)
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Poor footwear or lack of ankle support
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Muscle weakness in calves or hips
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Balance or proprioception deficits
Diagnosis of a Sprained Ankle
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:
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Osteopathic assessment – mobility, stability, and ligament testing
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Ultrasound imaging – to confirm ligament damage, swelling, or associated tendon injury
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Blood tests – if recurrent, to check vitamin D and healing capacity
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Referral – for X-ray (to rule out fracture) or MRI if severe instability persists
Self-Help for a Sprained Ankle
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Rest and avoid aggravating activity
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Ice packs for 10–15 minutes at a time
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Elevate the ankle to reduce swelling
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Use a compression bandage or support
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Gentle range-of-motion exercises when pain allows
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Avoid returning to sport too soon
Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
✅ Osteopathic care – mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and swelling management
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – strengthening, balance, and proprioception training
✅ Sports massage – release of tension in calves and peroneal muscles
✅ Ultrasound imaging – to confirm ligament damage and track healing
✅ Blood testing – to identify metabolic or nutritional factors delaying recovery
✅ Return-to-sport advice – phased rehab and ankle support strategies
Prevention
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Warm up before activity and include ankle mobility drills
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Strengthen calves, hips, and core for better control
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Perform balance/proprioception exercises to retrain the ankle
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Wear supportive footwear appropriate for sport or work
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Use taping or bracing for high-risk activities if history of previous sprains
FAQs – Sprained Ankle
Q: How long does it take to recover from a sprained ankle?
Mild sprains (Grade 1) may recover in 2–3 weeks. Moderate (Grade 2) sprains take 4–6 weeks, and severe (Grade 3) may take several months.
Q: Do I need a scan?
Ultrasound can confirm ligament injury and rule out tendon involvement. X-ray may be required to exclude fracture.
Q: Can I keep walking on a sprained ankle?
Only if pain allows. Walking too early may slow recovery, especially in moderate or severe sprains.
Q: Why are blood tests useful?
They can reveal deficiencies (e.g. vitamin D) that may delay healing or increase reinjury risk.
Book Your Appointment
Don’t let a sprained ankle keep you off your feet. Book your ankle injury assessment in Bromley today and get a clear diagnosis, treatment plan, and prevention strategy.
📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available