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Writer's pictureDerek Lund

Accelerating Athletes' Return to Sport After Ankle Sprains: A Comprehensive Guide


Ankle sprains are a common injury we treat for athletes of all ages, disrupting training routines and competition schedules. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, a swift and effective recovery is essential to get back on the field.


In this article, we'll explore evidence-based strategies to help athletes of all ages recover from ankle sprains and return to sport as quickly as possible, while addressing the complexities of adult ankle sprains and their unique challenges.


Understanding Ankle Sprains in Athletes:

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched or torn, often during dynamic movements like cutting, jumping, or pivoting. Athletes are particularly susceptible to ankle sprains due to the demands of their sport, but with the right approach, they can bounce back stronger than ever.


The Complexity of Adult Ankle Sprains:

Adult ankle sprains can be more complex than those in younger individuals due to factors such as previous injuries, ligament laxity, and altered biomechanics. These factors can prolong recovery time and increase the risk of recurrent sprains, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach tailored to the individual athlete's needs. Adult's are more likely to have skipped out on quality skilled rehabilitation of an old sprain that led to long-term ligament laxity, leading to the increased likelihood of recurrent injury


Returning to Sport: A Step-by-Step Approach

  1. Acute Management:

  • Immediate treatment following an ankle sprain no longer involves the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce pain and swelling.

    • We currently recommend prioritizing pain free and full range movement as soon as possible and progress load and movement complexity to tolerance in the absence of full tear or fracture. It is generally more and more accepted to only ice and use NSAIDS if pain reduction is absolutely necessary as some research now suggests these could delay healing

  1. Rehabilitation Phase:

  • The rehabilitation process focuses on restoring ankle mobility, strength, and proprioception through targeted exercises and modalities. The star drill and Y-Balance drill are frequently used early in our office and progressed in difficulty to patient tolerance

  • Exercises such as calf raises, ankle circles, and resistance band exercises help strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve stability.

  1. Functional Training:

  • As athletes progress in their rehabilitation, they should incorporate sport-specific movements and drills to simulate game situations. It is important that this is controlled early and progressed carefully to avoid further injury

  • Balance and agility exercises, including single-leg balance drills and ladder drills, help improve neuromuscular control, proprioception, and coordination.

  1. Return to Play Criteria:

  • Athletes should meet specific criteria, such as pain-free range of motion, adequate strength and stability, and successful completion of functional tests, before returning to sport.

  • Gradual reintroduction to sport-specific activities under the guidance of a qualified professional minimizes the risk of reinjury.


Self-Treatment Options for Athletes:

  1. Active Rehabilitation:

  • Athletes can perform ankle strengthening exercises, proprioceptive drills, and balance training at home or in the gym to complement their rehabilitation program.

  • The use of resistance bands, balance boards, and foam pads enhances proprioception and improves ankle stability.

  1. Injury Prevention Strategies:

  • Incorporating ankle strengthening and balance exercises into regular training routines helps reduce the risk of future ankle sprains.

  • Proper footwear, ankle braces only as necessary, and taping techniques can provide additional support and stability during sports activities.

  1. Professional Guidance:

  • Athletes should consult with a qualified professional for personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans tailored to their sport and level of competition.

  • Regular follow-up appointments ensure progress is monitored, and adjustments are made as needed to optimize recovery.


Ankle sprains are a common challenge for athletes of all ages, but with the right approach, they can overcome this setback and return to sport with confidence. By following a structured rehabilitation program, incorporating self-treatment strategies, and seeking professional guidance, athletes can accelerate their recovery and minimize the risk of reinjury. Depending on the injury severity return to sport for youth or adults can range from minutes to months. Our goal is to return our patients to full activity as quickly as possible while decreasing the chance of recurrence as much as possible.


Remember, patience and persistence are key on the road to a successful return to sport and full recovery.

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