Ankle Sprain Treatment in Amman | Physiotherapy

What is an ankle sprain?

On the outer side of the ankle are strong ligaments that connect the shin bone to the bones of the foot and stop the foot rolling inwards. A sprain usually happens when the foot suddenly turns over, for example landing on another player’s foot or stepping on the edge of a kerb or uneven ground, and these ligaments are stretched or partly or completely torn. It is one of the most common sports injuries and is frequent in sports such as basketball, volleyball and football. In some people the sprain keeps coming back, or a feeling that the ankle is unstable remains.

Common signs

Pain and swelling on the outer side of the ankle, sometimes with bruising that spreads towards the foot
Pain when walking or standing on the foot, especially in the first days
Pain when pressing on the outer side of the ankle
Severity ranges from a mild stretch of the ligament to a partial or complete tear, and recovery time varies with it
A feeling that the ankle is unstable or turns over easily, especially after repeated sprains

Common misunderstandings

"It is just a sprain and will go away on its own without exercise": the pain usually settles, but weaker balance and strength can remain and are linked with repeated sprains, so balance and strengthening exercises help after the injury
"The ankle must go in a cast and I should not walk on it for weeks": in most cases it is better to support the ankle and walk on it gradually as comfort allows, because long immobilisation can slow recovery; a short period of immobilisation for severe injuries is the doctor’s decision
"A brace alone is enough to protect the ankle": a brace or tape may lower the chance of another sprain, especially during sport, but it does not replace balance and strengthening exercises

What usually helps?

In the first days we protect the ankle and ease pain and swelling: raising the foot, a cold pack wrapped in a cloth, and a compression bandage or support if needed, while avoiding heat and massage on a new, swollen injury. Then walking and loading are increased gradually as comfort allows, rather than long rest; a doctor may decide on a short period in a brace or cast for severe injuries. After that, exercise usually progresses from regaining ankle movement, to strengthening the calf and foot muscles, then balance on one leg, and then hopping, landing and changes of direction. Manual therapy and gentle joint mobilisation within comfortable limits can help movement and walking, as part of the plan alongside exercise. Evidence suggests that balance and joint position training, with a brace during sport, lowers the chance of spraining the ankle again. Painkillers, imaging and surgery are the doctor’s decision, and surgery is not usually the first option.

How we treat it at Revibe

We listen: how the ankle turned, whether you could walk afterwards, whether it has happened before, and which sport or work you want to return to
We examine the ankle and foot: swelling, where the bone and ligaments are tender, movement, strength and balance, and identify what needs a doctor’s review or an X-ray
We identify what may slow recovery or raise the chance of another sprain, such as poor balance, a stiff ankle or returning to sport too early
We treat: manual therapy and gentle joint mobilisation within comfortable limits (including Mulligan techniques when suited), soft-tissue techniques around the calf and foot, with therapeutic and balance exercises
We progress with a home exercise programme and graded loading, then a gradual return to running, jumping and sport, with advice on a brace or tape when needed

When do you need urgent medical care?

Visible deformity of the ankle, a crack heard at the moment of injury with severe pain, or severe, rapid swelling — go to the emergency department or call an ambulance: 911 in Jordan or 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan
Numbness, tingling or coldness in the foot, or skin that turns blue or grey after the injury — go to the emergency department or call an ambulance: 911 in Jordan or 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan
Being unable to take four steps on the injured foot, or pain when pressing on the bone at the back edge or tip of either ankle bone, or on the bony points in the middle of the foot: a doctor decides whether you need an X-ray — see a doctor the same day
Pain, swelling or bruising that clearly keeps getting worse despite rest and raising the foot
A hot, red, swollen ankle with a fever or shivering — see a doctor the same day

In these cases go to the nearest emergency department or a doctor straight away — instead of booking physiotherapy.

FAQ

Do I need an X-ray or an MRI?

Not always. Doctors use a well-known set of examination rules called the Ottawa ankle rules, based on whether you can walk and where the bone is tender, to decide whether an X-ray is needed. An MRI is usually requested when another injury in the joint is suspected or recovery is slower than expected, and we refer you to a doctor when needed.

When can I return to sport?

There is no fixed date: with a mild sprain it may be within days, and it takes longer with more severe injuries. We look for settled swelling, restored movement, strength and balance, and the ability to run, jump and change direction with confidence, then return gradually; we may advise a brace or tape while playing.

My ankle keeps giving way. Do I need surgery?

In most cases, no. Repeated sprains or a feeling of instability often improve with a regular programme of balance and strengthening exercises, and a brace can help during sport. If the instability continues despite a structured programme, the orthopaedic doctor decides whether surgery is needed.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition and its stage; after the first assessment we explain the plan and the expected number of sessions.

More common questions: Foot and ankle questions — 27 questions