Types of Ankle Sprains What You Need to Know and How to Treat Them

Twisted your ankle while running for the bus? Or maybe your kid landed wrong on the soccer field? Ankle sprains are more common than you think and they don’t discriminate by age, lifestyle, or fitness level.

Whether you’re a small business owner on your feet all day, a football player sprinting down the field, a young parent chasing toddlers, or a school kid running between classes understanding the different types of ankle sprains can be a gamechanger.

In this article, we’ll break down the types of sprains ankle injuries, how they happen, what they feel like, and most importantly how to treat a sprained ankle and get back on your feet quickly.

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support your ankle stretch or tear. This typically occurs during a fall, twist, or a sudden force applied to the joint often from sports, walking on uneven surfaces, or simple missteps.

Sprains can vary in severity from mild discomfort to complete ligament tears that might need surgery.

But here’s the thing not all sprains are the same. Let’s dive into the different types of ankle sprains.

Types of Ankle Sprains

There are three main types of ankle sprains, and each comes with its own set of symptoms and treatment options.

1. Inversion Ankle Sprain (Lateral Sprain)

This is the most common type of ankle sprain.

What happens: The foot rolls inward, stretching the outer (lateral) ligaments.

Who it affects: Football players, runners, school kids, and honestly just about anyone.

Symptoms:

• Pain on the outside of the ankle
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight

Treatment tip: R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the goto in the first 48 hours. Follow up with physical therapy ankle exercises to regain strength and stability.

2. Eversion Ankle Sprain (Medial Sprain)

Less common but often more serious.

What happens: The foot rolls outward, affecting the medial ligaments on the inner side of your ankle.

Symptoms:

• Pain on the inside of the ankle
• Swelling and possibly more severe bruising
• Limited range of motion

Medial ankle sprain treatment often takes longer. You may need a brace or boot, and structured physical therapy for ankle pain is critical for full recovery.

3. High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Sprain)

This type usually hits athletes the hardest.

What happens: Damage chances to the muscles above the ankle joint those connecting the two leg bones (tibia and fibula). It’s often caused by twisting or high impact sports.

Symptoms:

• Pain above the ankle, especially with walking
• Swelling that may appear higher up the leg
• Painfulness over the ankle joint

Treatment: These sprains need more rest than others and often take 6–8 weeks to heal. High ankle sprains may even require surgery, especially if there’s instability.

Grades of Ankle Sprains:

Sprains are also graded by severity:

• Grade 1: Mild stretch; minimal swelling.
• Grade 2: Partial tear; moderate pain and swelling.
• Grade 3: Complete tear; diffident swelling, bruising, and instability.

Pro Tip: Even a Grade 1 sprain can become chronic if not treated properly. That’s why understanding how to treat a sprain ankle the right way early is important.

How to Treat a Sprain Ankle at Home:

For minor to moderate sprains, home treatment works well especially if started immediately.

R.I.C.E. Process

• Rest: Avoid to put weight on the ankle.
• Ice: Apply Ice for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.
• Compression: Use a flexible bandage to decrease swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the ankle above heart level.

Add gentle physical therapy ankle exercises like ankle circles and towel stretches after the initial 48 hours to restore mobility.

When to See a doctor

Seek medical attention if:

• You hear a popping sound during injury
• There’s severe swelling or deformity
• You cannot walk or accept weight after 24–48 hours
• The pain Worsen instead of improving

For athletes and active adults, getting a proper diagnosis ensures that you’re not mistaking a fracture for a sprain.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Ankle Recovery:

Ignoring rehab is one of the top reasons ankle sprains turn into chronic issues.

Whether it’s a medial ankle sprain treatment or recovery from a high ankle sprain, a structured physical therapy for ankle pain program can:

• Speed up healing
• Improve balance and mobility
• Prevent future injuries

Common physical therapy ankle exercises include:

• Calf stretches
• Resistance band work
• Balance board training
• Towel scrunches

Many football players and young athletes find that adding these exercises to their routine not only shortens recovery time but also boosts on field performance.

Preventing Ankle Sprains: Simple Tips That Work

• Warm up before any physical activity
• Wear proper footwear for your sport
• Avoid uneven or slippery surfaces
• Strengthen your ankle muscles with regular exercise
• Use braces or taping if you’re prone to sprains

Final Thoughts: Don’t Walk It Off Treat It Right

Whether you are a business owner, a football player or diabetic patient on your feet all day, a parent who cannot afford downtime, or a student athlete chasing a dream, understanding the types of ankle sprains and injuries and treating them early can save you from long-term pain and problems

If you are currently Face with ankle pain or suspect a sprain, don not just walk it off. Let our expert, Dr. Affan Akhtar, help you recover the right way.

Book an appointment today with our licensed physiotherapists or explore our custom physical therapy ankle programs designed for all ages.

Got questions? Drop a comment below or call us directly we’re here to help!