What Are the Long-Term Effects of Ankle Sprains?

Ankle sprains have historically been seriously undertreated, and because of that, many people experience long-term pain, instability, and disability. Every week in our office, we see patients struggling with ankle pain that began with an inadequately treated sprain—sometimes one that happened years ago.

Many people try to treat ankle sprains at home with rest and an Ace wrap. Unfortunately, for sprains that are painful enough to interrupt normal movement, this is far from enough.

What Proper Treatment Should Look Like

The current standard of care for a moderately severe ankle sprain includes:

  • ~2 weeks in a cast

  • 6–8 weeks in a very supportive brace

  • Another 6–8 months in a lighter brace during higher-risk activities

This plan gives the ligaments time to heal in the correct, shortened position. Healing them too soon under stress allows them to stretch out, becoming loose and unstable.

Why Inadequate Treatment Leads to Problems

Even everyday movement places stress on healing ligaments. If they are partially or fully torn, walking too soon causes the ligaments to heal in a lengthened, weakened state. This can lead to:

  • Chronic ankle instability

  • Frequent “giving way” of the ankle

  • Recurrent sprains—even on flat surfaces

  • Persistent pain

  • Early wear-and-tear of the joint

Some patients even sprain their ankle again from something as small as stepping on a pebble.

Correct and timely treatment greatly reduces the risk of long-term complications.

If Your Ankle Is Already Unstable

There is still hope. Many cases of chronic ankle instability can be corrected with minimally invasive surgery that tightens and restores the damaged ligaments.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If you’ve sprained your ankle, don’t wait to seek help. The longer you delay care, the longer your recovery will take.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pleasanton, TX.
Call (210) 375-3318 or use our online request form to get started.

Let us help you begin healing the right way.