An ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the United States today.

It happens to roughly 25,000 people per day, according to UCONN Health, and accounts for more than two million ER visits every year, per a 2023 review published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

But what exactly constitutes a sprained ankle? 

And what else does the Park Slope, Brooklyn community need to know about them? 

For starters, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue found throughout the body that connect bones together and help stabilize the joints.

Most sprains can be categorized into one of three different types, often known as grades: 

• A grade 1 sprain, or mild sprain, occurs when the ligaments are stretched but not torn.
• A grade 2 sprain, or moderate sprain, occurs when the ligament is torn, but not completely.
• A grade 3 sprain, or severe sprain, occurs when the ligament is torn completely.

Ankle sprains often hurt and will take some to recover, but don’t worry — that’s where we come into play.

Here at PhysioRX, we understand that every ankle sprain is different. 

Our experienced team of physical therapists will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that fits your lifestyle and goals — that way, we can get you back to doing the things you love most.

Now, let’s learn more about those sprains!

Sprain vs. Fracture: How can you tell the difference? 

It’s one of the first questions people ask when they injure their ankle: is it a sprain or a fracture?

While they can feel remarkably similar the moment they happen, understanding the differences between the two can help determine the severity of your injury and whether you need immediate medical attention.

So, what’s the difference between the two? 

Simply put, a sprain involves damage to the soft tissues (ligaments) around the ankle joint, while a fracture (broken bone) involves an actual break in one or more of the three bones found in the ankle. 

Fractures often take longer to heal, but don’t let that fool you — sprains can be just as painful. 

As a general rule of thumb, you can suspect a fracture if: 

• You heard a distinct "crack" or "pop" when the injury occurred
• You're unable to bear any weight on the affected foot
• The pain is severe and doesn't improve with rest
• Your ankle appears visibly deformed or bent at an unusual angle
• You experience numbness or tingling in your foot

If the pain developed gradually after the initial injury and you can still put some weight on your foot, even if it hurts, then you’re likely dealing with an ankle sprain — which can often be treated at home. 

Either way, a trip to your primary care doctor or physical therapist can help you figure out what’s next. 

At-Home Treatment: How do you nurse a sprained ankle?

Most grade 1 sprains — and some grade 2 sprains — can be treated in the comfort of your own home. 

We still recommend getting your ankle looked at by a professional, especially if pain levels are high or don’t go away after a few days, but most patients can treat an ankle sprain with the PRICE method. 

The PRICE method is an acronym for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation: 

• Protection: remove yourself from any activities that can worsen the injury and avoid putting unnecessary stress on the affected joint. Use crutches and a walking boot when possible. 

• Rest: give your ankle a break from activities that cause pain or stress the injured ligaments. That doesn’t mean giving up on activity completely, but know your limits and rest when possible.

• Ice: apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. Always wrap the ice in a thin towel or cloth and never apply it directly to the skin to prevent frostbite or skin damage. 

• Compression: wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or compression sleeve to control swelling and provide gentle support. The wrap should be snug but not tight enough to cut off circulation.

• Elevation: keep your injured ankle raised above the level of your heart whenever possible. This helps gravity drain excess fluid away from the injury site, reducing swelling and throbbing pain.

But those aren’t the only things that can help you overcome a sprained ankle at home. 

For example, over-the-counter medication and anti-inflammatory drugs — like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) — can help alleviate the pain and swelling that often comes with a sprained ankle. 

And as your ankle heals, gentle movement and light activity can improve mobility and prevent stiffness. 

The key is to move within your comfort zone, listen to what your body is telling you and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits. Some discomfort is normal, but any sharp pain means you should back off.

Most patients can expect a mild ankle sprain to heal within one or three weeks, if treated properly.

Beyond PRICE: When should you seek medical attention?

PRICE will always be your first line of defense, but it won’t always be enough to cure a sprained ankle.

This is especially true for moderate (grade 2) and severe (grade 3) sprains, but also applies to mild (grade 1 ) ankle sprains that don’t heal properly at home or aren’t responding to traditional treatment methods.

At that point, you may need to seek further treatment through a specialist. 

Your primary care doctor is a great place to start. Not only can they order X-rays and other imaging to determine the true extent of the injury, but they can refer you to trusted specialists for a second opinion. 

Once the injury is properly diagnosed, your support team will develop a treatment plan tailored to you. 

This might include prescription anti-inflammatory medications that are stronger than OTC options, or a walking boot, brace or crutches for additional support and protection throughout the healing process.

And then, at some point in that process, you’ll get referred to someone like us: a physical therapist. 

Physical Therapy: How can PT help treat a sprained ankle? 

Physical therapy is more than just treatment — it’s an investment into your future. 

While rest and basic home care help your ankle heal initially, physical therapy takes your recovery to the next level by addressing the underlying issues that led to your injury and ensuring you regain full function.

It’s not just about treating your current injury — it’s about preventing the next one. 

Your physical therapist can help identify and correct movement patterns and muscle imbalances that may have contributed to the original injury, while making minor adjustments to current activities to prevent risk.

Here are some of the other benefits of physical therapy for ankle sprains: 

• Restores strength and stability in weakened ankle muscles
• Improves range of motion and reduces stiffness
• Retrains balance and coordination after injury
• Prevents future ankle sprains and re-injury
• Accelerates the healing process beyond basic home care
• Reduces pain and swelling through therapeutic techniques
• Provides personalized treatment plans based on your goals
• Teaches exercises you can continue at home
• Ensures safe return to sports and activities
• Prevents chronic ankle problems and instability

The goal of physical therapy isn't just to eliminate pain — it's to get you back to doing what you love most.

Whether that means running through Prospect Park, chasing your kids around the playground, or simply making that daily trip to the subway, your physical therapist will work with you every step of the way. 

PhysioRX: We’re here when you need us the most!

Have you recently suffered a sprained ankle? Are you not seeing results with at-home treatments? Is the pain and swelling getting worse by the day? Is your sprained ankle getting in the way of your daily life? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to PhysioRX.

There’s nothing we enjoy more than helping the Park Slope, Brooklyn community through a difficult time.

We know that the best treatment plan is the one that gets you back to doing what you love most — and we’re fully dedicated to helping you come back from this stronger and more prepared than ever before.

To see what we can do for you, book your free consultation with us today or call us at (646) 860-0670.