Condition profile · Ankle & Foot
Ankle sprain
Protocol from 4'060 CHF · ≈ 8 weeks
Understand
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments, usually those on the outer side, after the foot rolls inwards: a bad landing, uneven ground, the edge of a kerb. It is the most common injury in sport.
Sprains are graded from 1 to 3, from a simple stretch to a tear of one or more ligaments. Even a mild sprain deserves rehab: without balance training, recurrences and chronic instability are common.
See a doctor promptly if…
- You cannot take four steps, even limping
- Sharp pain when pressing on the bone (ankle bones, base of the little toe): an X-ray is needed
- Deformity, a cold foot or pins and needles
Common causes
- Sudden twisting: direction change, uneven ground, jump landing
Symptoms
- Immediate pain
- Swelling, bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight depending on severity
Timeline
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
These timeframes cover the return to usual activities. The ligament keeps strengthening for several months, which is why balance exercises continue after you are back.
- Mild sprain (grade 1)
- 1 to 3 weeks
- Moderate sprain (grade 2)
- 3 to 6 weeks
- Severe sprain (grade 3)
- 6 to 12 weeks
- Slight swelling at the end of the day
- sometimes a few months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical assessment and Ottawa rules to decide whether an X-ray is needed (avoids over-imaging), ligament stability testing. Imaging with Dr Massimo Donalisio if a more severe lesion is suspected.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy (initial protection then mobilization)
- Physical preparation (proprioception — key to preventing recurrence, often overlooked)
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: injection if needed in persistent cases
Rehab
Ankle sprain rehab, step by step
- 01
Protect without immobilising
The first days: elevate, compress and put weight on the foot as soon as possible, with a brace or taping if needed. Moving early speeds up recovery.
- 02
Restore mobility and walking
Ankle mobility, a normal walk without limping, first calf exercises.
- 03
Strengthen and stabilise
Leg and hip strengthening and increasingly difficult balance exercises: this is the stage that prevents recurrences.
- 04
Return to performance
Running, jumping, changes of direction and sport-specific movements, validated by tests before returning to competition.
Exercises
Exercises after an ankle sprain
Ankle alphabet
Sitting, draw the letters of the alphabet with your big toe to regain mobility. Once or twice a day.
Heel raises
Standing, rise slowly onto your toes and lower over 3 seconds. 3 sets of 15, then on one leg.
Single-leg balance
30 seconds on the injured leg, then with eyes closed, on a cushion or while throwing a ball.
Hops and landings
At the end of rehab: small hops on the spot, then sideways and on one leg, stabilising each landing.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Returning to sport after an ankle sprain
- Walking, running and jumping without pain or limping
- Single-leg balance similar on both sides
- Calf strength and single-leg hops close to the other side, measured on a force plate
- Fast changes of direction without apprehension
Investment
Base protocol price
From
4'060CHF
≈ 8 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about ankle sprains
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppDo I need an X-ray for a sprain?
Should I walk on a sprained ankle?
How many physio sessions for a sprain?
Why does my ankle keep giving way?
Same area
Other conditions treated: ankle & foot
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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