12/08/2026
Lateral Ankle Sprain
A lateral ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, most commonly caused by inversion of the foot.
Commonly injured ligaments
1. ATFL – Anterior talofibular ligament → most commonly injured
2. CFL – Calcaneofibular ligament
3. PTFL – Posterior talofibular ligament → usually involved in more severe sprains
Mechanism
Usually occurs when the foot suddenly inverts and plantarflexes, such as:
* Landing awkwardly after a jump
* Running or changing direction
* Stepping on an uneven surface
* Sports-related injury
Clinical features
* Pain over the lateral ankle
* Swelling and bruising
* Tenderness around ATFL/CFL
* Difficulty walking or weight-bearing
* Reduced ankle ROM
* Feeling of ankle instability
Assessment
Observation & palpation
* Swelling/bruising
* Tenderness over ATFL and CFL
* Weight-bearing ability
ROM & strength
* Ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion
* Inversion/eversion
* Peroneal muscle strength
Special tests
* Anterior Drawer Test → ATFL
* Talar Tilt Test → primarily CFL
* Squeeze Test → helps assess syndesmotic injury
Ottawa Ankle Rules can help determine whether an X-ray is indicated after acute trauma.
Physiotherapy treatment
Acute phase
* Relative rest/protection
* Compression
* Elevation
* Pain-free weight bearing as tolerated
* Gentle ROM exercises
Subacute phase
* Ankle dorsiflexion ROM
* Calf stretching
* Isometric → isotonic strengthening
* Theraband inversion/eversion
* Calf raises
* Balance and proprioception training
Return-to-sport phase
* Single-leg balance
* Hopping and landing drills
* Agility and change-of-direction exercises
* Sport-specific training
* Ankle brace/taping when appropriate
Key goal: restore pain-free ROM, strength, proprioception, and dynamic ankle stability to reduce the risk of recurrent sprain.