Each case is different, and there’s no “one size fits all” approach to treatment.

“R.I.C.E.”

In fact, simple exercises are an important part of treatment.

Coach looking at rugby player’s ankle

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Check with your healthcare provider to determine when it’s okay to startrange-of-motionactivities.

Physical therapists often recommend tracing the alphabet in space with your big toe.

Start with print letters, then try cursive.

Female osteopath training with patient, exercising balance, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

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This simple activity will move your foot through all the basic ankle motions.

take a stab at do this every day for five to 20 minutes.

Stop if it becomes painful.

Physical Therapist and Patient in a Rehabilitation Center

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Strengthening exercises can help you get back to your normal activities without fear of another sprain.

Goodproprioceptive training(also called balance training) can help prevent future ankle injuries.

Unfortunately, many athletes neglect this step and return to sports too soon.

Confident African American soccer player practices with team

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And the recovery from a second injury may be longer and more complicated.

Surgery

Surgical treatment of an ankle sprain is rarely needed.

The surgery will reconstruct the ligaments that are no longer supporting the ankle adequately.

This will make your joint more stable.

Taking the time to focus onand not rushyour recovery can help verify your ankle is strong and stable.

This can help prevent a future injury and a longer, more difficult recovery.

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2010;29(1):157167. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2009.09.006

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Sprained ankle.

Mattacola CG, Dwyer MK.Rehabilitation of the ankle after acute sprain or chronic instability.J Athl Train.

2002;37(4):413429.

Tuthill JC, Azim E.Proprioception.Curr Biol.

2018;28(5):R194R203.

2014;42(1):8893. doi:10.3810/psm.2014.02.2051

Clover J, Wall J.Return-to-play criteria following sports injury.Clin Sports Med.